SMART Meals Africa is a non-profit company (NPC) in the Alberton area managed by Jane Doo, an Albertonian of 48 years.
“My heart was always set to help people and I was involved with a lot of charities before, but I still felt the urge to do more,” she said. In 2018 Jane heard about Smart Meals and it immediately got her attention.
“It sort of fell into my lap,” she said.
Smart Meals Africa and more
Smart Meals Africa inspires people to pack healthy meals for the underfed, underprivileged and marginalised members of their community, but particularly children and particularly nutritionally. The ready-packed meals are all-natural with no artificial flavourings and is also a sustainable addition to the daily diet. It consists of rice, lentils, dehydrated vegetables and Himalayan pink salt.
“One bag feeds six people. The meals are not only nutritional, but also delicious. The other great part is that you can make a lot of different dishes with the bag,” said Jane.
Part of its mission is to empower individuals to help themselves by creating their own distribution network.
“Since 2018 I’ve managed to distribute on average 700 packets per month in Alberton and surrounding areas. My goal is definitely to distribute 10 000 meals per month as that is also Smart Meals Africa’s goal.”
The biggest lesson Jane learnt in the past year is that people are reluctant to give as there are a lot of non-profit organisations.
“It is challenging to get people to support this cause, but I am very thankful to the companies and individuals who have supported and are still supporting the NPC.” Another lesson she learnt is to always be thankful for what you have and know that there is always someone worse off than you.
Organisations they support
• 4Souls Foundation
• South African Christian Directory – REMAR RSA
• Resthaven Ministries
• St Mary’s Children’s Home
• Stepping Stone Hospice
• Broken Wings
• Epworth Children’s Home
• San Michele Home
How you can help
People can help by purchasing a bag of ready-packed meals through Jane or through their churches as a part of their monthly tithe. Buy the bags for your own consumption, proceeds from each sale go back into feeding hungry children and families. Empower yourself and pack and distribute to your own charities and people in need. You can even make Smart Meals Africa a beneficiary at your next fund-raising event or you can donate money on a monthly basis and Smart Meals Africa will pack and distribute on your behalf,” she said.
“I do feel we have a responsibility to help where we can as the children of today are the future. And doing good feels good,” Jane concluded.
For more information or to help contact Jane on 083 226 3206 or visit www.smartmealsafrica.co.za
