FoodForward SA Mandela Day packing event comes to Joburg this July

On 17 July 2026, the non-profit organisation is opening its doors at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, calling on volunteers to roll up their sleeves and pack food parcels destined for underserved communities across the country.

What FoodForward SA actually does

Founded in 2009, FoodForward SA is a South African non-profit that recovers surplus food from retailers, manufacturers and farms and redistributes it to over 1 000 beneficiary organisations, including feeding schemes, shelters and early childhood development centres, reaching more than 450 000 people per day.

The Mandela Day packing event is one of the organisation’s biggest annual activations, and if last year’s numbers are anything to go by, the impact is real: volunteers packed 200 tons of food, helping provide over 800 000 meals to beneficiary organisations across South Africa.

What to expect on the day

The event runs across two sessions, so you can choose the one that works best for your schedule. Doors open 30 minutes before each session for registration, wristband collection and ticket scanning have your Webtickets barcode ready to keep the queue moving.

Before the packing begins, the team will walk everyone through a short briefing on how the process works. No experience necessary. There is also time before your session for photos with family, friends or colleagues before you get into it.

Wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes suited to an active environment and bring your energy. Children are welcome, provided they are accompanied and supervised by an adult throughout, as the packing floor is a working space. No food or drinks in the packing area, please it is a food safety requirement.

The R67 ticket

The R67 ticket price is a charitable donation, symbolic of the 67 minutes of service associated with Mandela Day. If you are considering it, book sooner rather than later. Paid parking is available at the venue, for attendees’ own account.

Details:

• Date: Thursday, 17 July 2026
• Times: Session 1: 09:30 to 10:37 | Session 2: 11:30 to 12:37 (arrive 30 minutes before your session)
• Location: Gallagher Convention Centre | 19 Richards Drive, Halfway House, Midrand, Johannesburg
• Tickets: R67 per person | Available via webtickets.co.za
• Online: foodforwardsa.org