In a remarkable display of corporate social responsibility, Pesto Princess and Ladles of Love have reached a milestone of donating over R1 million worth of meals to South Africa’s most vulnerable communities. This achievement is a testament to the power of consistency and compassion in driving systemic change.
The partnership, which was launched in 2017, is based on a simple yet effective ‘Buy 1, Give 1’ model. For every tub of Pesto Princess soup purchased by a consumer, a nutritious hot meal is provided to someone in need through the Ladles of Love network. This initiative has matured into a nationwide movement, sustained by the everyday choices of shoppers at SPAR and independent delis across the country.
The Impact of the Partnership
The achievement was formalised on 30 April 2026, when the Pesto Princess team, including the kitchen staff, visited a Ladles of Love soup kitchen. They arrived not just to observe, but to hand over a ceremonial cheque representing the cumulative impact of years of dedication. According to Kathleen Quillinan, the founder of Pesto Princess, ‘At Pesto Princess, we believe business can be a force for good. Reaching this R1 million milestone is incredibly meaningful because it reflects years of shared care and the generosity of our customers. Every soup carries a promise to help nourish a community.’
Danny Diliberto, founder of Ladles of Love, echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership is a living embodiment of Ubuntu – the African philosophy of ‘I am because we are.’ He said the R1 million figure represents thousands of moments of hope and tangible relief in areas where food insecurity remains a daily struggle. For more information on Ubuntu, visit Wikipedia.
How the Partnership Works
The ‘Buy 1, Give 1’ model is a simple yet effective way to tackle large-scale social issues. It transforms a routine grocery shop into an act of activism. Here are some key facts about the partnership:
- For every tub of Pesto Princess soup purchased, a nutritious hot meal is provided to someone in need.
- The partnership has donated over R1 million worth of meals to South Africa’s most vulnerable communities.
- The initiative has matured into a nationwide movement, sustained by the everyday choices of shoppers.
As the cost of living continues to rise, the ‘Buy 1, Give 1’ model offers a blueprint for how small-scale commerce can tackle large-scale social issues. While the R1 million mark is a moment for celebration, both organisations are looking firmly toward the future. Their goal remains clear: to deepen their impact, one bowl of soup at a time.
