Florida Lake Seventh Day Adventists start feeding scheme to help the destitute

The figure in the pulpit will say the ‘The Lord’s work is never done’ and the congregants of Florida Lake Seventh-day Adventist Church refuse to rest.

Knowing the hunger in the streets of Florida can never be satiated, a group of men and women from the church are leading the charge to be the nourishment of community members who need it most. Starting on November 2, the members who make the church’s social outreach arm have been cooking meals for the downtrodden and destitute.

Every Tuesday since, a group of ladies cook 100 meals that are distributed to areas where large groups of homeless or job-seeking men gather. “So many have lost their jobs and homes in the area and find themselves on the street, not knowing where their next meal is coming from,” said one of the chefs and orchestrators of the project, Marlene Johnson.

The ingredients for the meals, which include soya, butterbeans, vegetables and other grains, are acquired from a wholesaler in Lenasia and are prepared at the church. The freshly cooked meals are accompanied by a loaf of bread which is purchased from a bakery in Newclare. Once ready, the men of the congregation hand out the meals to the enthusiastic group of recipients.

Marlene and company have enlisted the assistance of a now retired Meals-on-Wheels veteran. Winnie Conning cooked meals for the less fortunate for almost 40 years and is guiding the project by sharing tips on how to maximise every ingredient to fill as many bellies as possible. No food goes to waste, as surplus is given to the men at the Themba na Mandla recovery and wellness centre.

While time can be donated for free by the congregants, putting the meals together comes at a cost. The bread costs R5 per loaf and Marlene is encouraging anybody who is willing to assist with even cooking oil, gas for the stove or ingredients to contact her on 078 825 4637.