FoodForward SA's core focus is FoodBanking, a model that involves the timeous recovery of quality edible, within date surplus food from the supply chain to address food insecurity at scale. Du Plessis spearheaded significant innovative change at FoodForward SA by introducing good governance, operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and digital technology which allowed the organisation to scale up into all nine provinces across South Africa.

He holds an Honours degree in public administration and an MPhil in theology. He previously served as managing director of the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) for 15 years (1994 to 2013), and started his career at the Department of Health (1994 to 1998).

Du Plessis is passionate about making a difference in the social development sector, and seeks to find innovative and creative ways to improve the lives of vulnerable people in under-served communities. He frequently writes thought-leadership articles which have been published in the Mail and
Guardian, Daily Maverick, News24, BizCommunity, etc..