GEORGE NEWS - Vulnerable households will receive ongoing attention in the coming week.
George Municipality will continue the delivery of food parcels as interim relief, while the Western Cape Department of Social Development gets its processes in place to provide support.
The municipality started with the distribution of 150 food parcels on Good Friday, which was made up from donated stock. Another 100 parcels will be distributed tomorrow (Monday 13 April) with provisions bought with municipal funds.
Municipal Manager Trevor Botha said the municipality was in the process of buying and packing even more food, and parcels will be distributed this week.
“With the assistance of ward councillors in vulnerable communities and the registered indigent households list as reference, the most needy households are being identified. The parcels contain food ingredients for a household of five people for seven days and are being funded by George Municipality Disaster Management resources,” said Botha.
117 Soup kitchens
In addition to the interim food parcels project, the George Municipality continues its own compassionate community outreach which includes the feeding of thousands of people twice a day, every day, 117 home-based soup kitchens in vulnerable communities across the municipal area as well as up to 80 people at the temporary shelter for the homeless at Rosemoor Stadium.
The municipality has an existing soup kitchens programme that, under normal circumstances, would supply a meal three times a week to mainly children, the elderly, disabled and sick with a current available budget of R1,3-million. In response to the Covid-19 crisis, the soup kitchen programme has been extended to more than triple its usual capacity to help thousands more in the communities where they live with two meals a day, seven days a week.
Drive-through donation centre
It is in this context the municipality established the Covid-19 drive-through donation centre at City Hall and the municipality will in weeks to come heavily depend on support from all sources. “We are acutely aware of the far-reaching implications of the lockdown and anticipate the impact on communities to extend beyond the lockdown period and current available funds. With this in mind, we are managing stocks for the soup kitchens and homeless shelter with a long-term approach to maximise the benefit to our communities as whole,” said Botha.
The George Municipality received several donations of vegetables and perishables perfect for the making of large pots of food, which was distributed to soup kitchens and the homeless. This was done to ensure that the largest possible portion of the community could benefit from the food, while it’s still fresh. “The George Municipality reiterates its commitment to the community as a whole and disputes politically motivated and unfounded allegations that food did not reach the communities for which it was intended,” said Botha. “Our entire municipality and all who live here are affected by this lockdown – we appeal to everyone to put personal and political agendas aside, to share resources and fight the impact of this virus as a united city. We are in this together and we need everyone to do their bit to address the long-term, bigger picture.”
Botha thanks everyone who has selflessly given time, food and other resources and ask that they continue to do so for as long as possible. “Our people are our solution,” he said.
Register on DSD database
The George Municipality reminds people requiring food assistance to register on the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) database. The current food parcel service by the municipality is an interim bridging service to help the neediest households while the DSD gets its processes in place. “We will make every effort to assist as many people as possible with the resources available,” said Botha.
The municipality welcomes donations of food, hygiene and sanitary products, clothes, blankets and other supplies at its drive-through donation centre at City Hall. The stop-and-drop centre is open from 8:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 8:00 – 17:00 on weekends and public holidays.
People using online grocery delivery services wanting to donate, can make up an online basket and enter the delivery address as Drive-through centre City Hall, 71 York Street, George.
Wish list
Types of items that will make a big difference include mielie meal, wheat flour, yeast, milk, sugar, salt, coffee, tea, samp, beans, macaroni, soup powder, stock and fresh or frozen vegetables and meat. Cleaning products such as dishwashing liquid, sponges, dishcloths, bleach, all-purpose cleaner and handwash laundry soap and hygiene products such as soap and hand cream will be welcome.
There is also a need for clothing for men, women and children at the homeless shelter.
Persons requiring food parcel assistance must please continue to register on the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD). Members of the public can phone 0800 220 250 (DSD general queries) and 0860 142 142 (donation requests and offers) or send a Please Call Me to 079 769 1207, or email covid19donate@westerncape.gov.za. The George office of the Department Social Development can be contacted on 044 814 1920 during office hours.
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