Rise Against Hunger is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to ending world hunger by 2030 in a sustainable manner.

The partnership aimed to see Tastic Rice, volunteers and members of the public pack 60 000 meals in just two days, as they celebrated 60 years of Tastic Rice being in the homes of many South African homes.

This falls part of Tastic's ongoing commitment to providing six million meals to families in need through its partnership with Rise Against Hunger Africa, which has been in motion since 2019.

"The importance of this auspicious day is that a real contribution is being made in addressing hunger. The meals packed are in support of raising awareness about food scarcity and providing nutritious meals for those living in poor and disadvantaged communities," says the duo.

The organisation has served more than half a billion meals in 78 countries, impacting an estimated 1.8 million people. Roughly 415 000 volunteers have come through their facilities to package meals and play a role in ending hunger.

Thembi Sehloho, marketing director of pasta and rice at Tastic Rice, says, "This year, we are very intentional about our partnerships. We are fundamentally utilising this milestone of 60 years of Tastic Rice to align ourselves with people and organisations that are on the quest of doing great and meaningful work."

Each meal packed contained Tastic Rice, soy protein and dried vegetables. The plant-based meals contained 20 vitamins and nutrients that are key for a child's development, according to the duo. 

Rise against hunger says that its primary demographic is children, especially in early childhood development centres. The meals that the organisation provides aims to combat malnutrition and assist in preventing irreversible physical and cognitive impairments.

"The Rise Against Hunger initiative supports well over 66 000 beneficiaries who receive five nutritional meals per week. Nutrition is the basis of a healthy mind and we cannot provide solid nutrients without a significant rice partner. We have come to rely on Tastic Rice as the staple ingredient that is essential in our meal packs," concludes Brian Nell, national operations manager at Rise Against Hunger.

For more information, visit www.tastic.co.za. You can also follow Tastic Rice on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram