Pesto Princess and Ladles of Love: a partnership feeding South Africa's vulnerable communities

In an era where corporate social responsibility is often reduced to a fleeting hashtag, a Cape Town-based partnership is proving that consistency and compassion are the true ingredients for systemic change. This week, Pesto Princess and the non-profit organisation Ladles of Love marked a staggering milestone in their ‘Buy 1, Give 1’ campaign: the donation of over R1 million worth of meals to South Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

Launched in 2017, the initiative is elegant in its simplicity. 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. What began nearly a decade ago as a hopeful collaboration has matured into a nationwide movement, sustained by the everyday choices of shoppers at SPAR and independent delis across the country.

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.

“At Pesto Princess, we believe business can be a force "for good," said Kathleen Quillinan, the company’s founder. “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.”

For Danny Diliberto, founder of Ladles of Love, 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. “This isn’t just about numbers,” Diliberto remarked. “It’s about the consistent difference made in lives where access to nutrition can be transformative.”

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. It transforms a routine grocery shop into an act of activism.

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. For those looking to support the cause, the invitation remains open: a simple purchase at a local SPAR is all it takes to feed a soul.