Peanut butter sandwiches help combat hunger

SOMETHING as simple as a peanut butter sandwich could be just another sandwich to one person, but to an underprivileged child whose life has become increasingly difficult in recent months, it is a way to stave off hunger.

The Ark, an initiative collectively formed by local churches and NPOs, came into being at the beginning of lockdown to provide food parcels to the needy.

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Mary Mlambo of Lungelo Youth Development identified the centre as a drop-off point for food parcels when it emerged that children, unable to attend the centre during lockdown, would go hungry.

Food parcels were given to those children and their families for a month, and while this helped their immediate plight, would fail to solve the long-term issue of hunger.

Impoverished families – whose already meagre earnings had been taken away when work was halted during lockdown – were going to sleep hungry.

Richards Bay-based pastor, Caroline Pitout, heard about a Cape Town-based NPO which was distributing peanut butter sandwiches to their needy community members.

‘When I visited Mary, I told her about these NGOs and their peanut butter sandwiches, and suggested she consider doing something like that as a takeaway,’ said Pitout.

‘They’re simple to make, can be collected or delivered, and a peanut butter sandwich fills you up, providing energy and nutrients.’

Mlambo took up the call to make and distribute peanut butter sandwiches, which made an immediate impact.

It did not take long for Pitout to round up friends and fellow community workers who, after doing the maths, realised it cost only R3 to make one peanut butter sandwich.

‘This is totally achievable for most households,’ explained Pitout.

‘The beauty of a peanut butter sandwich is that, those with more time can make sandwiches, while those with less time can donate the ingredients or sandwich bags.’

She said the community came on board, and they’ve organised online rosters for people to book sandwich-making slots.

In just four weeks, about 2 300 peanut butter sandwiches have been distributed to those who would otherwise be without.

The project has evolved, and companies and individuals are also making soup packs, with a consignment of beanies set to be delivered.

There is always a need for more helping hands or donations, and anyone wanting to get involved can contact Caroline Pitout on 072 125 5983.

Sandwiches can be dropped off, from Tuesdays to Fridays, at Outlook Church (8am – 10am) or Northcore Surf in Meerensee (9am – 10am).

‘As long as God continues to provide, we will carry on, and – at this stage – He is providing abundantly,’ said a grateful Pitout.

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