The City of Cape Town is stepping up its efforts to help NGOs feed communities as best it can. Executive Mayor Dan Plato has supplied organisations with a three-plate gas burner, two large cooking pots ( both 100L and 80L) as well as a range of dry ingredients such as lentils, samp, and beans, among other items.
NGOs based in Grassy Park and Lavender Hill received these items on Tuesday, April 14. NGOs in Atlantis, Mamre, Lotus River and Marikana informal settlement were given these items last week. During COVID-19 lockdown, the need for soup kitchens has become even greater and it’s important that the City assists as far as possible to ensure people don’t go hungry.
In Grassy Park, NGO Voice of the Voiceless run by Howard Downes, currently feeds more than 300 people daily, but with Tuesday’s donations and with the extra equipment, it will now be able to almost double this number.
In Lavender Hill, Philisa Abafazi Bethu, run by Lucinda Evans, feeds 1500 residents daily and can now boost this number by an additional 800.
The Lavender Sports & Recreation Foundation feeds children, the disabled, those with HIV and also the elderly. It currently feeds more than 500 people each day.
“These registered organisations are doing important work in their communities and, as a caring city, we wanted to contribute in assisting those who need it the most. While we already provide support to several soup kitchens, a number of additional requests have come in over recent weeks from communities to assist with setting up soup kitchens in their areas too. This is why these organisations are receiving support through the Mayoral Fund,” said Plato.
The ingredients are intended to provide supply for a three-month period. The management of these soup kitchens will be monitored by faith-based organisation, Genesis Faith Mission, to ensure that residents receive the full benefit of this initiative.
“I once again want to thank our residents who support those who are less fortunate by providing a warm meal. In this time of fear and confusion, I am sure that this warm meal will provide comfort to many,” added Plato.
Picture: Supplied