How Gcwalisa Seeks To Democratise Access To Nutritious Food
How Gcwalisa Seeks To Democratise Access To Nutritious Food. Gcwalisa is a unique shipping container-based retail outlet operating in low-income communities in South Africa, offering affordable staple household foods and products to customers based on their available funds, while tackling the issues of poverty tax and limited access to essential goods through decanting bulk items into reusable containers or recyclable paper packaging.
Its approach combines affordability, financial inclusion, and sustainable packaging, making it distinct in its mission which is to democratise access to nutritious food and other homecare goods within low-income communities. Gcwalisa recognises that access to these essentials is a fundamental human right. By reducing the intermediaries the company works with and partnering directly with food manufacturers, it is able to offer significantly reduced pricing on food.
“Low-income consumers dedicate a significant portion of their income to buying food,” Miles told SAB Foundation “These households are most at risk when their income drops, or food prices increase unexpectedly. Many of these families live in households that cannot purchase large quantities of food at one time, hence the prevalence of spaza shops in these areas. This traditional retail model does not benefit these consumers as they are forced to bear the brunt of high food prices.” Gcwalisa containers are strategically located within community based organisations. The CBO’s are trained to run the Gcwalisa. Its business model allows for the CBOs to receive an alternative income source and not be solely reliant on charity.
Research shows that packaging amounts for 8-15% of the food cost. Not only is the company reducing food prices through reduced packaging in the value chain but creating a zero waste culture. More than 50% of plastic products converted in South Africa have a lifespan of less than three years. Sometimes this packaging is only used for a few days or even minutes before Disposal. This is largely a result of lifestyles, specifically when it comes to foodstuffs. At Gcwalisa, customers are encouraged to bring their own packaging or food is sold through biodegradable packaging.
