Give responsibly – make sure your food parcels reach those in need

Various organisations will make sure your food donation reaches the people in need

As we contend with rising incidence of COVID-19 in South Africa (though still thankfully much lower than our European and North and South American counterparts) and the restrictions of lockdown, World Hunger Day, which took place on 28 May, has passed us by, more or less unnoticed. Yet COVID-19 – or rather, the economic fall-out from lockdown – is causing hunger in South Africa on an unprecedented scale. Many people want to do what they can, despite their own challenges, to help those most in need. How can you give responsibly?

Because we have a history of corruption in this country, it can be tempting to bypass the intermediaries and give food directly to those who need it. Some people are doing just that – cooking and taking hot meals to the homeless. While their intentions are laudable and there is no doubt their hearts are in the right place, we would encourage you rather to contribute to organised efforts and give responsibly.

Why donate through a relief organisation?

Channelling your philanthropic activities through an authorised relief organisation has multiple benefits. Firstly, they are taking proper infection control precautions. This not only protects the recipients; it protects you and your household. Secondly, they are working with community leaders to ensure food is distributed to those truly in need. And they are putting together food parcels designed to give a family not only enough food for a given period, but a sufficiently nutritious and balanced diet. Pap alone may be filling but does not provide adequate nutrients.

Where can you give responsibly?

Many relief organisations are well placed to put together the food parcels, and need funds rather than food. Others welcome groceries and other items. You should be able to find an organisation near you that will welcome the type of help you want to offer. 

Many Woolworth’s stores have set up a facility to allow customers to purchase extra non-perishable goods and place the items in a collection trolley on their way out of the store. This is a particularly nice way to help, if you can’t afford to do much but want to do something. A few tins of beans or carton of UHT milk added to your weekly shop won’t make your grocery bill unmanageable.  

Thanks to Eyewitness News for providing the following information. These organisations connect donors to local food relief groups around the country:

FoodForwardSA
– Area: national
– Donations needed: monetary
– Donate here.

The Angel Network
– Area: national
– Donations needed: monetary
– You can donate via their website.

CoronaCare for South Africa
– Area: national
– Donations needed: monetary
– More info on how to donate here.

Islamic Relief
– Area: national
– Donations needed: monetary
– More info can be found on their website.

Ladles of Love
– Area: Cape Town
– Donations needed: monetary, loaves of peanut butter and jam sandwiches
– More info: You can donate via PayFast or contact them on 076 064 3694.

These organisations are local to the Western Cape:

The Sprightly Seed
– Areas: Lavender Hill, Nyanga East, Mfuleni, Kalkfontein and Mitchell’s Plain
– Distributing food and hygiene packs to 450 families
– Donations needed: monetary
– For more info, go their givengain account.

The Mahabbah Foundation
– Areas: throughout Cape Town where help is needed
– Distributing 2000 loaves of bread with jam daily
– Donations needed: monetary
– More info: 082 468 7484

Ramzi’s Food
– Areas: throughout the Cape Flats and Brooklyn
– Catering company transformed into a community kitchen feeding over 1000 people daily
– Donations needed: monetary and groceries
– More info: 072 387 8622

Noordhoek Group:
– Areas: collecting for Masiphumelele families
– Boiled eggs and sandwiches can be dropped off at The Foodbarn Deli at the Farm Village (Noordhoek) on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The Kensington Neighbourhood Watch
– Areas: Kensington and Factreton
– Distributing food and hygiene packs to households
– Donations needed: monetary, food and sanitary items
– More info: 060 991 1425

Warriors of Hope
– Areas: Bonteheuwel
– Distributing hot food to households
– Donations needed: monetary
– More info, go to their Facebook account.

Restaurant Foliage
– Areas: Franschhoek and surrounds
– Restaurant turned into a community kitchen providing hot meals daily
– Donations needed: monetary and groceries
– More info: You can donate on the Isabelo website.

Nakhlistan
– Areas: throughout Cape Town
– Distributing hot meals daily
– Donations needed: monetary
– Find more info on their Facebook page.

Share your information with us

If you know of other organisations, restaurants or grocery retailers helping to feed the hungry during this period, let us know and we will update this article. Let’s all give responsibly!

Furthermore, with winter upon us in full force, please share any information about where to donate blankets and warm clothing. You can contact Simon at SD Law on 086 099 5146 or email simon@sdlaw.co.za

Simon Dippenaar

https://www.sdlaw.co.za

Cape Town attorney Simon Dippenaar has a BBusSc LLB degree and Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Cape Town, and is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa. He is the founder and director of private legal practice, Simon Dippenaar & Associates, with offices in Cape Town and Gauteng representing South African and international clients.

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