THIS month, Penny Appeal SA will be launching a brand new outreach pilot project focusing on feeding the destitute and most vulnerable on the streets.
The Feed Our World initiative takes shape in the form of a mobile food trailer that will be distributing hot nutritional meals to those in need with the help of public donors.
Public donors will be able to buy tokens at the Penny Appeal SA offices, and other central outlets for as little as R20 each or R600 for a month’s supply. The token/s can then be handed out to the needy, who will in turn present the tokens at the Penny Appeal food trailer feeding sites where they will be provided with a warm meal. The one-meal token will be orange in colour and the month voucher token will be white to distinguish between the types. The tokens will be made out of eco-friendly materials to align with Penny Appeal SA’s attempt to be more considerate of the environment, and are 100 per cent recyclable within the project scope.
The idea was born when the Penny Appeal team noted the drastic increase in the number of homeless people on the streets of Durban and surrounding areas and wanted to help provide a basic meal to sustain them.
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Being very aware of the challenge motorists faced when handing out cash at intersections and traffic lights, the idea of a guaranteed meal was born. One such homeless man, Sizwe Dlamini, said: “I have a child to feed too, I need to know I can get a meal.”
“The project aims to address poverty through fulfilling a basic human need, food,” Shahnaaz Paruk, CEO of Penny Appeal SA, said. She added: “We believe it’s the small changes which make big differences. We’re placing the power of giving back with the donor, so they can hand over a token, knowing full well that the money will not be smoked, sold or misused – except for a hot meal.”
The food truck will operate in areas around Durban, with the intention to expand to other cities at a later stage should efforts be successful. It will be identifiable through its vibrant Penny Appeal orange colouring and the logo design which will be visible to all and easily identifiable for those with tokens.
Idisa Alec said: “It’s a very good idea. It will bring something real to the people. It’s better to give something than to give just money because not everyone will use it for something good.”
The food truck will be ready prior to Ramadan season as part of the charity’s on-going initiative ‘Feed the World’ run by Penny Appeal.
To make donations visit website: www.pennyappeal.org.za or call 031 110 0573.
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