NEWS
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
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Rescuing sweet potatoes , nourishing
In the complex ecosystem of food production , distribution , and consumption , the challenge of food waste continues to pose a significant threat .
As leaders in the food rescue industry , we at SA Harvest recognise that the most effective solutions often emerge from the power of collaboration . A recent successful food rescue operation involving sweet potatoes from Dutoit Agri exemplifies this principle , highlighting how partnerships can transform potential food loss and waste into nourishment for thousands .
Dutoit , established in 1893 , has a long-standing history of delivering high-quality fruit and vegetables across South Africa . Despite their extensive experience and efficient farming operations , even seasoned producers can face challenges with surplus . This year , Dutoit encountered an unexpected excess of sweet potatoes , a result of preparing more stem cuttings than needed for the next planting season .
To prevent this valuable crop from going to waste , SA Harvest stepped in to offer assistance . Initially meeting to discuss fruit rescue , the collaboration quickly expanded to include sweet potatoes , ensuring they were put to good use rather than lost .
MOBILISING FOR IMPACT
The need to swiftly move such a large quantity of sweet potatoes provided an opportunity to demonstrate the agility and impact of strategic partnerships . SA Harvest , leveraging its robust logistics network and warehouse footprint , initiated a coordinated rescue operation . This entailed putting out a call to FWJ Logistix , a company with a storied legacy of four generations in logistics , who unhesitatingly stepped forward . With trucks returning to Cape Town empty after delivering solar products , FWJ Logistix offered to transport the sweet potatoes from the Dutoit packhouse to SA Harvest ’ s Cape Town warehouse .
To facilitate the transport of such large volumes of loose sweet potatoes , SA Harvest ’ s long-standing partner CHEP supplied a total of 206 agri bins crucial for the operation . The coordinated effort saw three interlink trucks transporting the sweet potatoes from the packhouse in Prince Albert Hamlet to Cape Town .
Once the sweet potatoes reached SA Harvest ' s Cape Town warehouse , the extensive redistribution effort began . The call for logistical support
communities By Ozzy Nel , COO of SA Harvest
Beneficiaries collecting in Cape Town .
was once again answered by key players in the transport industry , facilitated by the Road Freight Association of South Africa . And joining FWJ Logistics in the rescue operation , DSV assisted with the onward journey , ensuring that the sweet potatoes reached our Johannesburg and Durban branches .
Together , Dutoit , SA Harvest , FWJ Logistics , and DSV successfully rescued a significant quantity of sweet potatoes from going to landfill . These sweet potatoes were distributed to 182 beneficiary organisations across four provinces , turning what could have been wasted into thousands of nourishing meals :
• Cape Town saw the largest portion , with meals delivered to 67 beneficiary organisations
• Johannesburg received a substantial amount , enabling 61 organisations to prepare meals
• Durban also benefited , with meals served by 54 organisations
This collaborative effort transformed surplus food into essential sustenance for communities in need .
NUTRITIONAL AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Sweet potatoes are more than just a carbohydrate source ; they are vital in combating Vitamin A deficiency , a widespread issue that affects immune systems and eye health . The Orleans sweet potatoes , with their rich orange flesh , have been used by beneficiary organisations to prepare nourishing soups and stews . These meals have provided much-needed warmth and nutrition during some of the coldest winter days , alleviating hunger and supporting health in vulnerable communities .
This operation stands as a testament to the power of collaboration , where businesses , logistics providers , and non-profit organisations come together to solve pressing hunger and malnutrition challenges . SA Harvest acted as a catalyst , drawing on relationships with Dutoit , CHEP , FWJ Logistix and DSV to ensure that perfectly good food
DSV truck arriving at SA Harvest ' s Joburg warehouse .
reached those who need it most , rather than ending up as waste .
In an era when there is a surplus Beneficiaries in Durban . of food in South Africa , it is inconceivable that 20 million people are on a spectrum of severe food vulnerability , ranging from running out of money month to feed their families during the course of the month to millions of children going to sleep hungry every night .
In this context , it is incumbent on us to drastically reduce the 10 million tonnes of food that is wasted every year and redirect it to the hungry masses . The logistical ability to coordinate such efforts is key , and this sweet potato rescue operation illustrates how , together , we can rewrite the story of food waste , turning excess into an abundance that nourishes and supports communities throughout South Africa .
As we continue our mission at SA Harvest , we remain committed to fostering partnerships that drive change , ensuring that no viable food is left to rot , but rather finds its place on the plates of those who need it . CLA
These sweet potatoes were distributed to 182 beneficiary organisations across four provinces , turning what could have been wasted into thousands of nourishing meals .
www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • January / February 2025
All images supplied by SA Harvest .