Driven by a sole mission – to tackle the challenges of food insecurity and unemployment – one family-run enterprise is helping put food on the table, one sock at a time.
Meet Mike Nel, a Shongweni family man whose vision, along with that of the rest of his family, is a nourished South Africa. After more than two decades in HR, he packed up his desk and left the corporate world to fulfil his purpose as a social entrepreneur.
With a serious drive to make a difference to the lives of those around him, Mike now heads up the KZN factory for Food Sock, a revolutionary meal-in-a-bag business that is making waves around the food industry.
Nutritious, tasty (trust us on this one), convenient and affordable, these meals can feed up to four adults or six children, for just R45, in under 40 minutes – yes, you read that right – which makes them ideal for busy moms, single folk, students, pensioners, campers, hikers and, especially these days, during load shedding.
Food Sock was originally founded in 2021 by George resident Carl van Blerk, and relative of Mike, who, as a passionate Lions Club member was asked by the government to support the efforts of providing food to the local community during Covid.
Fast forward and Mike and his wife, Meghan, now run a very busy factory in Waterfall where, together with an amazing team, they make up a variety of different food socks. They are sold for home consumption and in bulk as they are ideal for feeding schemes and other outreach programmes helping disadvantaged communities, which is something close to the hearts of both Carl and Mike.
“There are nine delicious meal variants, each of which has been crafted with the help of culinary masters like Francois Ferreira and celebrity Chef Nataniël,” says Mike, who also gives a rundown of what’s in each sock.
“Most include a nutrient-rich soya which is sustainable and appeals to meat eaters as well as vegetarians. Rice, pasta, beans, samp, dehydrated veggies, soup powders, herbs and spices make up the majority of the rest of the ingredients,” he says, adding that all you need is a source of heat, a pot and water. Bring the water to the boil and add the contents as per the instructions on the back of the ‘sock’ and your meal will be ready in no time.”
Mike does explain that although some products contain beans and legumes that need to be cooked first, all in all, no meal should ever take longer than 40 minutes from start to the moment you dish up and dig in.
“It really is as simple as that! Each meal has been created with enough patience, behind the scenes trial and error experimenting, and love, to be enjoyed without adding anything else to it.”
But, Mike says, the meals can also be used as based products to the recipe suggestions on the back of each pack.
“We even have a free Gourmet Recipe Book, filled with exciting ways to play around with the various food sock meals. Just think … a delicious chakalaka samp and beans bunny chow; a chicken and vegetable curry with rice and sweetcorn dumplings; a garlic bread mac and cheese bake; or a one pot savoury mince and rice. The options are endless if you love, like we do, being creative in the kitchen. Meghan and I eat Food Sock meals at least three times a week and love to add our own twist to them when we have the time.”
At Mike’s top of the list of favourites is the pasta bolognese – just like that. Nothing added. The chicken breyani is a close second, and he likes to dice up two chicken breasts, precook them in some olive oil and chilli flakes and add those to the mix, along with a boiled and diced potato, for some additional flavour.
“Our journey began with the simple idea of providing affordable, nutritious and convenient meals to those in need and, over time, this has grown to encompass a bigger goal of fostering economic empowerment through entrepreneurship,” Mike says adding that they support more than 400 resellers across the country.
“By enabling local entrepreneurs, they are creating a ripple effect of positive change – enhancing economic stability, promoting self-reliance and uplifting communities.”
Mike and his team also regularly partner with corporates, NGOs, and local communities with feeding schemes and recently teamed up with a well known Community Centre feeding programme.
“To see the smiles on the faces of not only the NGO’s staff, but especially those we help feed, is something we will treasure forever. We’ve already made plans to cook up another storm and help change the lives of others by sharing what we can.”
The only challenge Mike says they’re ever really faced with at times is the perception that this is a poor man’s meal, which we can even honestly say it definitely isn’t.
“Never judge a meal or food, before trying it at least once. Chock full of veggies, protein and flavour, these meals are an easy way to take care of your nutritional needs while saving money. And besides, show me a poor man’s meal that has a recipe book full of gourmet ideas that really do inspire. It truly is budget-friendly food that doesn’t skimp on taste.”
Our take on the Food Sock flavours …
Chicken Biryani – The soya surprises you by mirroring the tenderness and flavour of chicken, blended with aromatic spices and rice. It’s all the tradition you love, with a twist.
Pasta Bolognese – Rich and robust. It brings you the hearty, savoury taste you expect, with a soya-based sauce that’ll have you wondering if it’s actually not real meat. A classic favourite, reimagined for today’s table.
Tomato Bredie Rich with soya that cooks down like tender meat, wrapped in the sweetness of tomatoes and a blend of spices.
Chakalaka Samp and Beans – A full-flavoured feast. Experience the vibrant taste of South Africa through a food sock featuring soya that adds depth and protein to this satisfying dish.
Macaroni and Cheese – A creamy version of one of our favourite classic meals. It’s the ultimate comfort food you’ve always loved, paired perfectly with an incredible secret cheese sauce (we’re dying to know how they do this) for a complete meal on its own.
Melkos – A sweet delight.
Chicken and Veg Soup – Wholesomely thick and delicious. This one brings the home-cooked taste of chicken soup to your table, through soya that’s been seasoned and simmered to perfection among a blend of veggies.
Chicken Pasta – With soya that’s been prepared to echo the taste of chicken, this creamy dish stands up to any traditional recipe.
Mutton Stew – This is a testament to the power of soya to take on rich, deep flavours that blend seamlessly with root vegetables and hearty spices. It’s the stew you remember, redefined for today’s palate.
You can shop online or find a reseller closest to you at foodsock.co.za
