Mayor Dan Plato this week visited organisations in Du Noon, Philippi, Crossroads, Retreat and Blue Downs to donate dry food items where soup kitchens are working to feed communities during the COVID-19 lockdown. More than 30 soup kitchens across the metropole have been assisted with either equipment and/or dry ingredients since the start of the lockdown.
With many unable to work and put food on the table, the need for assistance has become very clear.
The Executive Mayor has chosen to supplement soup kitchens run by community organisations as a sustainable way to feed hundreds of people in the respective areas.
We are hopeful that with the re-opening of SASSA’s regional offices and the opening of their local offices next week, that our residents can receive much-needed food aid to ease concerns over food security.
We have provided equipment and food supplies to soup kitchens across the City as a measure to fill the gaps. However, National Government remains the primary stakeholder when it comes to assisting with food aid.
This week, CAFDA in Philippi, a community development organisation, who also runs a feeding scheme, received a donation of dry food ingredients from the City of Cape Town. The organisation feeds communities four times a week across several areas including Pelican Park, Retreat, Ottery among others and have fed over 6000 people since the start of the lockdown.
Another organisation which received support is Ukuphumakwelanga in Samora Machel, and feeds nearly 50 families three times a week. Other recipients were Oasis International Church in Philippi East, and in Du Noon, a group of pastors who have joined forces with New Age soup kitchen to feed residents in the area on a daily basis.
We applaud organisations who have opened their hearts and wallets to feed those in need. It is important that these entities are supported to continue this much-needed service.
I am grateful to our communities who are coming together to offer support during this very challenging time. Your compassion for others is inspiring and your efforts do not go unnoticed.