Mayor Dan Plato also welcomes the Western Cape Town High Court ruling that the work of soup kitchens can continue unhindered as food relief is a vital lifeline to communities affected by lockdown. The next round of handovers begins today with the Desiree Ellis Foundation. Ellis is Banyana Banyana’s coach.
‘As a result of the severe impact of the national coronavirus lockdown, many residents have struggled to put food on the table. Despite the move to Alert Level 3 opening up more economic sectors, the need for assistance remains. We must continue to strengthen our support and compassion for our fellow residents. These donations are intended to assist organisations feeding residents in need and, as a caring city, we are doing all we can to help residents,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.
Since the start of the lockdown three months ago, Mayor Plato has supported more than 80 soup kitchens across the metro with equipment and ingredients. By capacitating these organisations, we hope to ease the impact of COVID-19 on our communities.
The Desiree Ellis Foundation has partnered with The Alcardo Andrews Foundation, which feeds between 400 and 600 cooked meals daily. They also do outreach in Hanover Park, which includes distributing packed meals received from a boutique hotel in the city and vegetable supplies that are donated.
‘The donation from the City of Cape Town is a great help because we currently utilise our own resources such as electricity and sometimes our own ingredients. The equipment will help us to expand our outreach to residents and fill more empty stomachs,’ said Desiree Ellis.
The foundation is one of the organisations who approached the Mayor’s office for food aid assistance and received a three-plate burner stove, gas canister, two large pots and dry ingredients
While food relief is the direct responsibility of national government, through the SA Social Security Agency, the City of Cape Town is making strides to fill the gaps, capacitating neighbourhood soup kitchens to feed hundreds of residents in their various communities.
Supplies to an additional four soup kitchens based in Mitchells Plain have also been provided. Recipient organisations in Mitchells Plain are the Tafelsig Community Uplifting Forum, Community Outreach in Morgan Village, Women to Youth Outreach Project in Eastridge and Amazing Ants in Rocklands.
More handovers are planned over the coming weeks to further support vulnerable residents.
‘The road to economic recovery will be slow but steady. We need your continued commitment to the regulations so we can fully reopen sectors and rebuild. Continue to wear your mask, wash your hands regularly and practice social distancing,’ said Mayor Plato.