THE Food for Life Programme, in affiliation with International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Midrand, continues to make in-roads as a local food relief network in Midrand community.
Nrsinga Dasa of the programme said for the past two years the programme has been growing from strength to strength, ensuring that it carries out the key objectives of the world’s largest vegetarian food relief programme. The programme does not discriminate and applies the ancient Vedic culture of hospitality to eradicate hunger.
He said a survey last year pointed out that 28.3 percent of South Africa’s population was at risk of hunger and 26 percent experienced hunger, making it critical to provide nutritional food. He said every month, 2 000 plates of fresh, nutritious meals consisting of lentils, basmati rice, green beans, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and frozen peas are cooked and served to children in Ivory Park.
New Jerusalem Children’s Home, the Tumelo Home for the Mentally Handicapped and Thuthakani Centre benefit from the programme.
“Sedi La Thuto Creche is a new beneficiary of our feeding,” said Nrsinga Dasa.
Anna Majapelo, co-founder of the New Jerusalem Children’s Home, said the children look forward to the programme and the commitment from its volunteers, who not only feed the children bi-monthly, but “bring joy and laughter” to the children through their association and engagement.
“The food is tasty and healthy. The Food for Life Programme, in affiliation with ISKCON Midrand, continue to make our children happy and we wish to continue to enjoy their support,” said Tumelo Home’s care worker, Masello Ramakwela.
Jane Nkosi, founder of the Thuthukani Centre, said the programme is a welcome initiative.
Naresh Pema, one of the directors of the programme in Midrand, said it would continue its efforts to make Midrand a hunger-free zone.
“In our efforts to drive our vision of ensuring that ‘poverty can not be postponed’, we implore the community, business and other important stakeholders to partner with us or make a contribution to alleviate hunger in Midrand.”
One of the key partners with the Food for Life Programme Midrand initiative is the San Ridge Square-based Pick n Pay.
The Midrand-based Food For Life Programme volunteers are stationed at Carlswald Lifestyle Shopping Centre every Saturday.
Details: Nrsinga Dasa, 083 551 1550 or nrsinga@iskconmidrand.org
