Initiative to feed the most vulnerable

The Muldersdrift Food Initiative is still ongoing and feeding many families in the area and surrounding communities. Started by the previous CPF, the initiative came about last year to address the glaring reality of food scarcity as the country went into lockdown.

Founded by Sam Barale, residents donated non-perishables at different collections points. Barale and a committee of seven would work with community leaders in different areas to collect the food parcels and distribute them in their respective communities. “The first two months, I pretty much worked alone. I would stand on the side of the road or I would speak with community leaders to assist me with distribution.” While they worked in the Muldersdrift and surrounding areas, she went wherever the need arose.

The initiative currently works with one farmer who provides fresh vegetables to be donated. Barale said their collections are not limited to just food, but sanitary pads and whatever else they can give to community members in need. Food and necessities were delivered to 11 to 12 informal settlements in one day; the committee collects and distributes the food six days a week.

It wasn’t long before local security companies were volunteering to pick up food, sanitize it and ensure it was distributed safely to those in need. “We had local churches, farmers, businesses and citizens donate money and produce to help those in need,” she continued. “Local storage facilities made space available for supplies to be stored, and one restaurant opened their facility to be used as a soup kitchen for volunteers to safely cook, package and distribute food.”

Barale believes that if we are to build our country to the place where we can move forward in a positive way, no one should be left behind.