Five-fold increase in demand for food

Non-profit organisation, Hibiscus Food for Life which has been feeding local communities for some 20 years has seen a dramatic increase in the demand for food during Covid-19.

“The pandemic has wreaked havoc in our communities. Many people have lost their jobs and are unable to provide the basic needs for their families. The demand for food has increased more than five times and we get requests from people to help them with food every day. People are desperate, some need clothes while others cannot afford medical care,” said the organisation’s Rajen Mahabeer.

“We provide meals for 1000 people every week in Marburg, Palmview and Margate. These people are poverty stricken and Covid-19 has aggravated the situation,” he said.

Initially, Hibiscus Food for Life fed learners at various schools on a monthly basis.

“I fed learners at a school in Bhobhoyi. The principal requested me to feed the learners on Saturdays as many of them were from child headed households and did not have meals on weekends,” said Rajen.

The feeding scheme continued for many years at the school.

When Rajen retired in 2017, the organisation started feeding schemes at other schools, organisations and various communities three times a week with six dedicated volunteers.

However, due to Covid-19 it has also become difficult to secure sponsorship to keep the programme sustainable.

“Many businesses are struggling, as a result some regular sponsors cannot donate anymore and it is difficult to secure new sponsors,” he added.

Hibiscus Food for Life appreciates donations to sustain its feeding programme. To donate, contact Rajen on 082 8362758

The public is also welcome to help distribute the food.

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