According to Hannes Noëth, Executive Director of Solidariteit Helpende Hand, hunger is about far more than just food.

"We know people are not only hungry for food. They are hungry for hope, for work, for opportunities, for the future and for solutions. World Hunger Day reminds us that we are not going to solve the problem in a single day, but that we can start building solutions together," says Noëth.

Helpende Hand's nationwide campaign this year focused on different forms of hunger, including physical hunger, emotional hunger, spiritual need, loneliness, the need for dignity and even the "hunger for reading" and education, says the NPO.

In the Western Cape, branches donated books to schools and community projects to promote literacy, while other branches distributed soup, bread and emergency supplies to vulnerable communities. In the Southern Cape, schools and children collected canned food and non-perishable items to establish a culture of caring and sharing from a young age.

In Colesberg, Helpende Hand's local branch donated 30 blankets to senior citizens and children who struggle to attend church services during the winter months due to cold weather conditions, adds the NPO.

In the Eastern Cape, volunteers visited old age homes, spent time with senior citizens and distributed warm food, scarves and knitted blankets to address the "hunger for companionship". In KwaZulu-Natal, non-perishable food items were collected and used to teach mothers how to budget responsibly and manage household shopping.

Branches in Gauteng, North West, the Free State and Limpopo undertook projects ranging from feeding schemes and donations to care facilities to awareness campaigns, hunger strikes, community training and fundraising for study funds. In the East Rand, volunteers visited care homes to address the "hunger for companionship" while also creating awareness around World Hunger Day, says the NPO.

In Volksrust, Privaatskool Amajuba, a small CVO school with only 18 learners, also collected food and clothing for World Hunger Day. According to Helpende Hand, the initiative proves that even small communities can make a big difference when people stand together and share what they have.

On Friday, as part of the 'Hungry for Hope' campaign, South Africans are also being challenged to become practically involved by fasting for the day and donating the money they would normally spend on food to Helpende Hand's feeding projects. School learners are also encouraged to sacrifice one day's tuckshop money to make a difference in another child's life. According to Helpende Hand, the campaign is not only about fundraising, but about creating a culture of sharing, caring and communities supporting one another during difficult times, adds the NPO.

The organisation hopes to raise the equivalent of 50 000 plates of food at R20 per plate this year in order to help relieve hunger across South Africa. People who would like to contribute to the campaign can make a donation here.

"To go to bed hungry is terrible. To wake up hungry is terrible. To go to school or work hungry is terrible. That is why we ask on World Hunger Day: How can I share something of what I have with someone else?" says Noëth.

"Many people think they cannot make a big enough difference, but even a small contribution can mean hope to someone. It is not only about a plate of food. It is about dignity, support and the feeling that somebody cares."

Noëth emphasises that sustainable solutions remain important.

"We do not want people to become dependent on handouts. We want to help build communities that support, uplift and strengthen one another. That is why Helpende Hand aims to address need in a structured and sustainable way so that hope can once again become possible."

Helpende Hand calls on South Africans not to see World Hunger Day as merely symbolic, but as an opportunity to become practically involved in their communities.

"We cannot change everything, but we can start today by sharing something of what we have," Noëth concludes.

For more information, visit www.helpendehand.co.za. You can also follow Solidariteit Helpende Hand on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor