Food insecurity affects millions of households in South Africa. Rising food prices, high unemployment, and economic pressures have left many families without reliable access to meals. Between 10 October and 12 October 2025, several food banks and assistance desks will be open nationwide, offering free food parcels, cooked meals, and social support services.
This updated guide lists active food banks, community kitchens, and SASSA assistance desks, including opening hours, contact details, and the type of support available. Whether you need urgent help or are supporting your community, this guide will help you plan your visit.
Why Food Banks and Assistance Desks Are Vital
South Africa’s food banks and feeding programmes provide critical support to vulnerable groups. They:
Supply emergency food parcels to households.
Distribute freshly cooked meals in townships and rural areas.
Reduce food waste by redirecting surplus food.
Support schools, shelters, and community kitchens.
Work with SASSA and municipalities to connect residents with grants and social aid.
For many, these organisations are the only reliable source of nutritious food.
Major Food Banks Open Across South Africa
1. FoodForward SA – Nationwide
FoodForward SA is the country’s largest food bank, with warehouses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth.
Services:
Mobile rural food distribution.
School breakfast programmes.
Disaster relief and emergency food aid.
Operating Hours (10–12 Oct):
Mon–Thurs: 07:30–16:30
Friday: 07:30–15:30
Contact: foodforwardsa.org | Tel: +27 (21) 531-5670
2. SA Harvest – National Surplus Food Distribution
SA Harvest rescues surplus food from retailers, restaurants, and farmers, redistributing it to NGOs across South Africa.
Services:
Food waste recovery and redistribution.
Emergency food parcels via partner organisations.
Contact: saharvest.org | Email: info@saharvest.org
3. Operation Hunger – Long-Term Food Security
With more than four decades of service, Operation Hunger runs both short-term food relief and long-term nutrition projects.
Services:
Emergency parcels.
School and crèche feeding.
Community nutrition projects.
Contact: operationhunger.org
4. City and Township Food Banks
The Food Bank Centre – uMhlathuze (Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal)
Address: 33 Ohmzone Street, Alton
Distributes non-perishable goods and fresh produce.
24-hour security and professional distribution management.
5. Food For Life South Africa – Vegetarian Meals
Food For Life prepares freshly cooked vegetarian meals for distribution in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga.
Key features:
Volunteer-driven network.
Nutritious, plant-based meals.
Community outreach in rural and township areas.
6. Ladles of Love – Johannesburg & Pretoria
Ladles of Love is well known for its feeding kitchens and mobile food units in Gauteng.
Services:
Soup kitchens in inner-city areas.
School and shelter partnerships.
Weekend food drives.
Contact: ladlesoflove.org.za
Community Assistance Desks – Partnering with SASSA
Alongside NGOs, municipalities operate community assistance desks to help residents with both food and social services.
Services available:
Food parcels for families in crisis.
Grant application support via SASSA.
Referrals to nearby food banks.
Contact SASSA:
Hotline: 0800 601 011
Website: sassa.gov.za
How to Access Food Banks and Desks
If you are visiting a food bank or assistance desk between 10–12 October 2025, prepare by bringing:
A valid South African ID or asylum/refugee document.
Proof of residence (e.g., municipal bill).
SASSA card (if you receive grants).
Tips for first-time visitors:
Arrive early to avoid long queues.
Bring bags or containers for food parcels.
Confirm schedules on official NGO or municipal websites.
For rural residents, check with local leaders about mobile food vans.
Food Bank Schedule: 10–12 October 2025
Thursday, 10 Oct
FoodForward SA warehouses open nationwide.
SA Harvest food rescue deliveries.
Ladles of Love kitchens serving hot meals.
SASSA assistance desks open in municipalities.
Friday, 11 Oct
Most warehouses open with shorter hours (till 15:30).
NGOs distribute parcels ahead of the weekend.
SASSA desks available in local halls and offices.
Saturday, 12 Oct
Limited warehouse activity.
Community kitchens and NGO mobile vans serve meals in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape.
Ladles of Love and Food For Life continue weekend feeding projects.
Key Contacts and Useful Links
FoodForward SA – foodforwardsa.org | +27 (21) 531-5670
SA Harvest – saharvest.org | info@saharvest.org
Operation Hunger – operationhunger.org
Ladles of Love – ladlesoflove.org.za
SASSA – sassa.gov.za | 0800 601 011
Free Food and Community Solidarity
South Africa’s food support system relies heavily on volunteers and donations. Students, workers, and retirees contribute time and resources to keep kitchens running. You can help by:
Donating groceries or surplus stock.
Volunteering at a food bank or kitchen.
Sharing weekly food bank schedules in your community WhatsApp or Facebook groups.
Check also: Where to Get Free Food This Week (05–12 Oct)
Between 10 October and 12 October 2025, food banks and assistance desks in South Africa are open and distributing vital support. If you or someone you know is in need, use this guide to find the nearest food bank, assistance desk, or mobile kitchen.
Help is available. Share this information widely so no one goes hungry this week.
