While many are privileged to have a plate of food every night during the lockdown, community workers are making sure the needy have something too.
Schaapkraal Community Forum chairman Redaa Ameeroedien says they’re concerned about the most vulnerable in neighbouring informal settlements such as Jim Se Bos and Egoli.
“Now with the lockdown, feeding schemes in the areas have stopped distributing and the most vulnerable (children) are left with nothing to eat,” he says.
“As a community forum, our core focus is that the children are also a part of our community and the feeding scheme is important to ensure they have food to eat every day.
The Strandfontein Community Policing Forum (CPF) has stepped in to assist the Schaapkraal community in getting their documentation in order to feed mense.
“I am grateful to our community members for stepping in. I am overjoyed and a bit disappointed that Chairperson Sandy Schuter has stepped in after hearing our concerns and been there for us, whereas I don’t know where our own CPF is,” Redaa says.
The aim of the feeding scheme is stop and go, meaning pre-packed snacks and food is handed out and then the team leaves the area, in so doing adhering to the lockdown protocols.
Schuter says she’s assisting with getting a social relief permit, as no assistance is being provided by other departments.
“It is our social responsibility. We understand we have a crisis on our hands. It’s the first time we are hit with something of this magnitude,” she says.
“We as volunteers know, understand and respect the regulations of staying indoors, but in these circumstances, they have been providing food. This is just for social relief.
“It will be pack and go, giving out the food and knowing the children are eating.”