The global COVID-19 pandemic has not only devastated communities through its direct impact in terms of sickness and tragic deaths, but also an equally distressing effect in terms of job losses, salary reductions, and thousands of people in need of assistance in order to put food on the table.
Consequently, The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) team will spend their 67 minutes for Mandela Day packing non-perishable foods into jars that can be made into a hearty, protein-rich meal to feed a family of four. These simple food jars will be donated to a local charity to be distributed to people who need it within their community.
“Like many other local businesses and organisations, TGRC has needed to navigate a way forward, while we are also dealing with economic strain. Although a seemingly small gesture, we are assisting our staff members to pack a single jar each to assist a family during this cold winter. On this unique commemorative day, we wanted to play a part, no matter how small, to keep the Madiba spirit of service to others alive. We want to challenge others to do the same, because even small gestures mean the world to someone else,” Jhetam concludes.
The glass jars being put together by the employees of TGRC are very easy to make and you too can make a jar or two for someone in your community this July. Simply layer the following items in a one litre jar:
1/2 a cup of rice
1/2 a cup of soup mix or split peas
1/2 a cup of lentils
1 unwrapped stock cube
1 sachet of soup powder
The recipients can add these ingredients to 2.5 litres of hot water and boil for 40 minutes, resulting in a warm winter soup to help keep the cold weather and hunger pangs at bay.
