Food for life is the aim
MIDRAND - One in four people currently suffer from hunger on a regular basis and more than half of the population live in such precarious circumstances that they are at risk of going hungry.
This is according to Oxfam International’s report Hidden Hunger in South Africa: The Faces of Hunger and Malnutrition in a Food-Secure Nation, published late last year. It also states that one in four people currently go hungry in the country.
These are the sort of statistics that non-governmental organisation Food for Life aims to eradicate.
The organisations’ Midrand chairperson Vinesh Maharaj has said how critical their programme has become in the country. “The endeavours by this programme are largely driven by acknowledging the economic and social inequality [in our country], and the concomitant challenges of poverty and unemployment,” said Maharaj.
According to the organisation, Midrand has become one of the many hunger zones initiated in South Africa by Food For Life South Africa.
Smiles, laughter, love and good wholesome vegetarian meals characterise Food For Life Midrand in its mission to eradicate hunger.
With about 800 plates of meals served each month, the local food relief network continues to serve the children at the Tumelo Home for the Mentally Handicapped and the Thuthukani Centre in Ivory Park, as well as to the New Jerusalem Children’s Home in President Park.
According to Maharaj, support for the programme in Midrand is growing. “Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper, Brian Baloyi, and his family, and other dedicated volunteers from Midrand and surrounding suburbs, continue to renew their commitment to the programme,” he said.
Food For Life Midrand has started to attract corporate sponsors committed to social responsibility and to assist the local food relief network. One of South Africa’s major retailers, Pick n Pay, recently renewed its support for this Section 18a, NGO and non-profit organisation.
Maharaj urged residents, organisations and co-orporations to collaborate and contribute towards making Midrand a ‘hunger-free zone’.
“Together we can make a difference in our local community by alleviating hunger and making Midrand a better place to live in,” said Maharaj.
Details: 083 792 6518; midrand@fflsa.org
