Mastercard collaborates with Pick n Pay and FoodForward SA to donate more than one million meals to South Africans in need

Johannesburg, South Africa, 07 May 2018 – Mastercard, Pick n Pay and FoodForward SA have announced a close working collaboration that is committed to donating 1.2 million meals to South Africans in need through an initiative called Tap to Feed.

Between 07 May and 20 July 2018, every time a consumer makes a purchase at Pick n Pay with the ‘Tap & Go’ contactless payment option, Mastercard will automatically donate a meal – at no extra cost or effort to consumers.

This initiative forms part of Mastercard’s global 100 Million Meals programme, which is Mastercard’s commitment to reversing the spiral of poverty by eliminating hunger, driving inclusion, and enabling and empowering those in need.

“Continuing our shared vision, we are combining our expertise in technology and digital innovation with that of our partners. In South Africa, we are collaborating with Pick n Pay and FoodForward SA, one of Pick n Pay’s key CSR partners providing vital food assistance to vulnerable communities,” says Mark Elliott, division president, Mastercard South Africa.

“Every day, Mastercard consumers make a range of purchases by simply tapping their contactless-enabled cards, devices or mobile phones at various retail partners. By partnering with Pick n Pay, we’re taking this experience even further and encouraging Mastercard customers to extend their generosity by simply processing a convenient contactless payment at Pick n Pay stores. Mastercard will, in turn, donate a meal every time a contactless card is tapped,” he adds.

The donated meals will be distributed by FoodForward SA to vulnerable women and children through its network of non-profit organisations. Mastercard employees have committed to volunteering at the FoodForward SA Mandela Day Food Drive packing events in Johannesburg and Cape Town on 18 July.

Pick n Pay Deputy CEO Richard van Rensburg says, “We share Mastercard’s passion to help alleviate poverty. We were an early adopter of Mastercard’s contactless payments technology, and are delighted to be using this together with them on the Tap to Feed initiative.

“We are always looking for ways to give our customers more value, and Tap & Go does just that, giving our customers a faster and more convenient experience at our checkouts. Now there’s an added benefit: this collaboration with Mastercard will make a huge difference to thousands of poor and vulnerable families across the country, and our customers can contribute by simply using Tap & Go at our checkouts.”

Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director at FoodForward SA, says this initiative is an exciting project to be part of. “It is always encouraging and heartwarming to see so many people, companies and suppliers come together and support the important work that FoodForward SA does. We appeal to all South Africans to once again support this initiative and help us not only exceed the 520 000 meals supplied last year, but provide much-needed food supplies to those who are most in need.”

Contactless payments, or ‘Tap & Go’, simply means tapping your card on any of the card readers at a Pick n Pay till point in all stores. It’s secure, convenient and fast, suited to processing traditional cash-based transactions, including at fast food restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, vending machines, parking and public transport.

*EDITOR’S NOTES:

Mastercard contactless is supported by state-of-the art security protections.

1. Contactless transactions are processed via the same secure network used for traditional cards.
2. A unique security code is generated with each contactless transaction.
3. A PIN code or signature is required for high value transactions.
4. The cardholder’s name and the 3-digit security code cannot be read from the card or device in contactless mode.
5. Even if the cardholder accidentally taps their card twice, the technology ensures that the payment is only billed once for the same transaction.

Ends

About Mastercard

Mastercard, www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter: @MastercardMEA and @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the MEA Engagement Bureau.

Mastercard communications contact

Kershnee Govender, +2783 564 4090, Kershnee.Govender@mastercard.com

 

About Pick n Pay

The Pick n Pay Group is a grocery, clothing and general merchandise retailer, selling a wide range of products at very competitive prices under our Pick n Pay and Boxer brands. Since 1967 when consumer champion Raymond Ackerman purchased the first three stores in Cape Town, the Group’s vision has grown and expanded to encompass stores in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Swaziland and Lesotho.

Pick n Pay communications contact

Tamra Veley, 083 251 3658, tamra@corporateimage.co.za

 

About FoodForward SA

FoodForward SA (formerly FoodBank SA) is a registered non-profit organisation established in 2009, to address the growing problem of hunger by connecting a world of excess to a world of need. In partnership with all the major wholesalers, retailers, and manufacturers, our mandate is to collect edible surplus food and non-food groceries, for redistribution to verified and registered Beneficiary Organisations (BOs). We call this process Foodbanking. It is a cost-effective solution to food insecurity. To increase our social impact, FoodForward SA uses surplus food as a catalyst for social innovation and entrepreneurship, while working towards ensuring that at least 75% of our BOs focus on education, youth developmental, women’s empowerment, and healthcare, in addition to their feeding programmes. Follow us on Twitter: @FoodForward SA, Facebook: FoodForward SA, LinkedIn: FoodForward SA and Instagram: @foodforwardsa

FoodForward SA communications contact

Zimasa Jam Jam, +2721 531 5670, zimasa@foodforwardsa.org