In South Africa’s agricultural heartland, a remarkable milestone has been reached. The OneFarm Share program, powered by Standard Bank in collaboration with HelloChoice, has delivered its 100 millionth meal. This flagship initiative was designed to sustainably tackle food insecurity while improving the resilience of the agri-food system. The achievement is a testament to the dedication of farmers, donors, and partners working together to feed the nation’s most vulnerable.
“This milestone is about more than just numbers; it represents lives touched and supported through collective efforts,” said Brendan Jacobs, Head of Agribusiness for Business and Commercial Banking at Standard Bank South Africa. “When we launched OneFarm Share, we knew we could make an impact, but the response from the farming community and the public has exceeded our expectations. Each meal symbolizes hope, nourishment, and collaboration.”
OneFarm Share has facilitated the distribution of over 25 million kilograms of fresh produce across South Africa, regularly feeding 1.2 million people, including children and families struggling with food insecurity. This success is made possible by 690 produce contributors and key distribution partners such as SA Harvest, FoodForwardSA, and Gift of the Givers, as well as generous donors from corporate, NGO, and development finance sectors.
Excess produce, a common result of market fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, is redistributed to communities in need, reducing food waste while enhancing food security. This milestone reflects the contributions of smallholder farmers, large-scale agricultural producers, financial donors, and logistical partners.
Stories of Impact
Beyond the impressive numbers are the stories of lives transformed by OneFarm Share. Farmers who once struggled with oversupply now see their produce feeding hungry families. Small-scale farmers have benefited from reliable access to markets and timely payments, allowing them to grow their businesses.
For example, Made with Rural, a smallholder aggregator in Gauteng, used its regular offtake from OneFarm Share to create additional employment for seasonal workers and maintain full driver delivery loads over six months. The partnership also enabled the company to secure an overdraft facility, allowing it to extend input advances and credit to small-scale producers.
Mouton’s Valley Farm in Piket-Bo-Berg also shared its story. After an abundant harvest of Panorama Golden Delicious apples, the farm donated 101 tonnes of apples to OneFarm Share, which were distributed to charities and used in disaster relief efforts by Gift of the Givers.
Community organizations, such as soup kitchens and food banks, have been able to provide more nutritious meals, improving both the physical and mental health of their beneficiaries. One organization in KwaZulu-Natal reported that fresh produce from OneFarm Share allowed them to serve healthier, more balanced meals, replacing tinned goods and starch-heavy diets.
At its core, OneFarm Share operates on a simple yet powerful model: surplus or donated produce is matched with communities in need via a digital platform developed in partnership with HelloChoice. Farmers list their available produce in real-time, which is then swiftly distributed to registered beneficiaries through distribution partners. Standard Bank’s commitment to facilitating change ensures that farmers, donors, and communities are supported at every stage of the process.
This milestone is a testament to what can be achieved through partnership, collaboration, and a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity in South Africa.
