Paarl, South Africa — This week Outside the Bowl Africa, a dedicated non-profit organization based in Paarl, invites the community to join in a heartwarming celebration of World Porridge Day on Thursday 10 October – which is set to impact vulnerable children across South Africa.
This significant event highlights the pressing issues of child hunger and malnutrition, with a spotlight on fortified meals like VitaKidz instant energy maize porridge, which play a crucial role in nourishing vulnerable children across the region.
A Day of Engagement and Awareness
Held at the vibrant Outside the Bowl Africa factory, the event promises an engaging experience with live broadcasts from HeartFM, interactive factory tours, and opportunities for attendees to witness firsthand the production process behind the nutritious meals that are changing lives.
Loren Erasmus, Executive Director of Outside the Bowl Africa, shares the vision for the day: “Our primary goal is to bring attention to child hunger while celebrating the impact fortified foods like VitaKidz have in combating malnutrition. This event is a crucial opportunity to engage the public, raise awareness, and generate resources to sustain children long after World Porridge Day.”
Launching the One Million Meals in 5 Days Campaign
In addition to the celebrations, Outside the Bowl Africa recently launched launched their One Million Meals in 5 Days campaign—a monumental effort to provide one million nutritious meals to children in need. While the campaign was introduced in September, the physical rollout will occur in December 2024.
Erasmus emphasizes the campaign’s broader purpose: “Through our Million Meals campaign, we aim to rally widespread support—from individuals, businesses, and communities—so we can provide much-needed meals for the children who need it most. This isn’t just about feeding children for one day; it’s about creating a sustainable source of nutrition for the long term.”
Community and Corporate Partnerships Making a Difference
Outside the Bowl Africa has forged powerful alliances with HeartFM, Tygerberg Radio, and numerous local businesses and NGOs to enhance the success of its initiatives. This year, the organization has set its sights on serving 20 000 children, particularly in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and Lesotho.
“The involvement of our corporate and community partners plays a crucial role in extending the reach of our programs,” says Erasmus. “Their support allows us to distribute meals to some of the most underserved areas in the region.”
Join the Fight Against Child Hunger
Outside the Bowl Africa extends an invitation to the public to join in this vital fight against child hunger. You can support the cause by attending the factory event, volunteering, or contributing to the Million Meals campaign. Volunteers are encouraged to help spread awareness through social media and local outreach initiatives.
Outside the Bowl Africa Links:
Website Outside the Bowl Africa: https://africaotb.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outsidethebowlafrica
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsidethebowlfeeding/
MORE ABOUT OUTSIDE THE BOWL AFRICA
In the heart of Paarl, South Africa, Mark Maingard, a seasoned entrepreneur, found himself at a life-changing crossroads. Known for his keen business acumen and success in the corporate world, Mark was suddenly propelled in a new direction after experiencing a vivid dream—a divine calling urging him to “Go and feed my children.” This powerful message ignited a fire within him, leading Mark to shift his focus from building wealth to serving those in need.
In February 2016, alongside his business partner, Mark took a bold step to make this vision a reality. They renovated a derelict facility in Paarl, transforming it into a beacon of hope. Just a few months later, on May 29, 2016, they delivered the first 200 hot, nutritious meals through their newly established non-profit organisation.
As Mark’s commitment to feeding vulnerable children deepened, he crossed paths with Jae and Debra Evans from Outside The Bowl, forming a partnership that expanded the reach and impact of their work. Together, they sought to tackle the growing hunger crisis. Despite the daily production of 3,000 meals, Mark knew the issue required a more scalable solution.
This realisation led to the development of VitaKidz Instant Energy Meal, a game-changing initiative to provide instant, high-nutrient meals on a massive scale. With this innovation, Mark envisioned feeding thousands of children efficiently and sustainably, ensuring that no child would go hungry.
Mark’s journey from a single act of kindness to a movement with the potential to transform hundreds of thousands of lives reflects his unwavering dedication to the dream that first stirred him. Today, his vision continues to grow, inspiring others to join in the mission of feeding and nurturing children across South Africa.
