SA Harvest raises R1.4m for food relief in Nelson Mandela Bay

SA Harvest has raised about R1.4 million through its 2025 Buckets of Nutrition festive season campaign to bolster ongoing food relief programmes for vulnerable households in Nelson Mandela Bay and nearby communities across the Eastern Cape.

In a statement SA Harvest said, the Buckets of Nutrition campaign responded to heightened food insecurity during the December school holiday period, when thousands of children temporarily lose access to daily meals provided through the National School Nutrition Programme.

Through partnerships with established community organisations running holiday feeding programmes, SA Harvest said it has reached approximately 1,400 families to date. Each food bucket, valued at around R1,000, contains essential staples and basic household items designed to support families during a period of increased vulnerability and reduced household income.

“The festive season places additional pressure on families who are already struggling to put food on the table,” Chief Executive Officer CEO of SA Harvest, Ozzy Nel said. “This campaign allows us to support trusted community partners who are feeding children and families at a time when school meals are not available.”

Nel said the organisation’s approach focuses on strengthening existing community-based feeding initiatives rather than duplicating efforts.

“Our role is to work with organisations that understand their communities and know where the need is greatest. That allows food to reach families efficiently, with dignity and accountability,” he said.

Nel has called on businesses, individuals, foundations and civil-society partners who are able to contribute to support the campaign, noting that demand for food assistance continues well beyond the festive season.