Quite a mammoth task, given that it is a non-profit, non-sectarian organisation relying solely on bona fide donations from the general public.
Food For Life Midrand, part of FFL South Africa, continues to make inroads as a local food relief network.
So how, and more importantly, why does it champion this cause? The answer is simple, according to spokesperson Vinesh Maharaj – ‘love’.
“As clichéd as it may sound, there can be no doubt that love, no matter how insurmountable an obstacle may seem, conquers all. And Food For Life Midrand, from its very inception, has proved this many a time. Love is at the heart of everything the organisation stands for, from humbly requesting donations from strangers weekly, to ensuring our pots are squeaky clean in preparation for the day’s feeding – their unconditional love for humanity is their impetus.”
It certainly isn’t a one-way street. The support Food For Life Midrand garners, especially from the Midrand community, is phenomenal, Maharaj pointed out.
He added the organisation’s reputation as a peace-loving initiative determined to alleviate hunger is attracting quite a following. So much so, he says that praise for the organisation echoes far beyond the areas they currently serve.
At the end of May, Food For Life Midrand undertook its fifth feeding programme for the year. This monthly initiative, with the help of the public, supplies roughly about 1 000 plates of food a month, with that number steadily increasing.
Presently, Food For Life Midrand provides food relief to 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.
Caregiver at the Thuthukani Centre, Beverly Molefe said that the children absolutely love it. “You find them waiting with their containers two hours before the guys from Food For Life arrive, and when they do, the mood is great. They don’t just bring food; they bring hope to the kids,” said Molefe.
Boikie Sibongwana, an older resident at the Thuthukani Centre added: “We depend on Food For Life. They are kind. Even if I call my friends living around here to come and eat, it is not a problem. The food is for everyone and we take as much as we want.”
