On 16 October, World Food Day is celebrated to promote global awareness and action for those suffering from hunger and malnutrition. Access to and availability of nutritious food is increasingly being impeded by global macro challenges, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, persistent inequality and rising consumer prices all of which contributes to increased poverty. 

To ease the burden of food shortages in schools, the Attacq Foundation, a corporate social investment trust, focused on sustainable education and training, which is powered by Attacq Limited; together with the Sage Foundation, has partnered with Rise Against Hunger to host a meal packing event that will provide 120 000 meal packs to Early Childhood Centres across South Africa. Rise Against Hunger is a volunteer-based meal packaging and results-oriented nutrition programme which was started in South Africa in 2009.

Danny Vermeulen, Trustee of the Attacq Foundation and Transformation Manager at Attacq, says: "According to the United Nations South Africa, 27% of our children are stunted, meaning that they will likely not reach their full growth and developmental potential because of the physical and cognitive damage caused by nutritional deprivations. This statistic is a clear call to action." 

The event, which will take place on the 20th and 21st of October, will be held across three provinces, Gauteng, North-West and Western Cape, at five of Attacq's retail experience hubs to ensure maximum impact. The Attacq Foundation and Sage Foundation, along with the Balwin foundation; have funded the project, and volunteers are needed to assist in packaging each meal. 

Janine Palm, Social Executive at Attacq Limited says: "This is our second year partnering with the Attacq Foundation for Rise Against Hunger. This national campaign, spear-headed by all Attacq assets, demonstrates a true commitment to uplifting the communities in which Attacq operates in. By joining forces with partners and our properties alike, we can amplify our efforts to end childhood malnutrition." 

All volunteers are welcome, including community members, ward councillors, clients, NGOs, bursary students, colleagues, schools, and vendors.

On the day, the Attacq Foundation and Sage Foundation hope to see over 550 volunteers collectively packing enough meals to feed 350 children five meals per week for one year. The meal packs will include a nutrient-dense mix of dry ingredients that can easily be prepared at home. 

Danny Vermeulen adds, "The Attacq Foundation's philosophy is underpinned by the positive connection between education and social development, and this initiative forms part of the Foundation's commitment to early childhood education. 

Without the proper nutrients, the brain cannot develop properly, resulting in long-term effects on learning abilities. Partnering with Rise Against Hunger, a growing global movement to end world hunger, directly underpins our strategic commitment to early childhood education." 

In line with this mission, the meal packages completed on the day will be distributed to 14 Early Childhood Development centres in communities around Attacq's Retail Experience Hubs. 

Specifically: 

• Mall of Africa supported Christine ECD, Elewani Creche & Pre School and Malibongwe Day Care. 
• Glenfair Boulevard and Lynnwood Bridge supported Uthando Christine Day Care, Mohau Early Learning, Angels Academy Day Care and Mahlasedi Day & Night. 
• Garden Route Mall supported Joey's Babies Creche, Youth for Christ Lubabalo Educare Centre, Garden Route Food Pantry and Ithemba Lobomi.
• Eikestad Mall supported Love to Give and Stell Care; and 
• MooiRivier Mall supported Ikageng and Mohandrin.