#ONELOVESA emerged as an urgent response to help match care with need across South Africa and has partnered with Operation Hunger on their Feed-A-Family campaign to help distribute food and essential items to vulnerable families now cut off from resources and income.
“The effect of COVID-19 restrictions is an urgent crisis that needs an immediate response. The only way we can get through this is to be of service in every way we can. Whether it’s to reach out to one person via a phone call or to donate resources and money so that communities can eat. Although the platform maps NGO’s providing care and matches volunteers with service activities, the need for food aid right now is paramount. That’s why we have chosen to work with Operation Hunger who have a national footprint, an excellent track record, excellent governance and the capacity for broad impact.” said Anna Shevel, founder of the #ONELOVESA platform.
In partnership with Operation Hunger, #ONELOVESA is calling on citizens and businesses to heed the call by government to virtually join hands and provide relief efforts where possible. The target is to feed 10,000 families with donations of just R200 that will subsidise food for a family for up to five days. The hampers include sugar, tea, milk, maize meal, samp, beans, lentils, oil, salt, beef stock, tins of fish, Dettol, hand soap and disposable wipes. The hampers are being distributed in 43 areas around South Africa to The Operation Hunger feeding scheme has 43 distribution points across the country in deep rural areas and sprawling informal settlements with little or no basic services.
“#ONELOVESA is a blessing to our work and has remarkably amplified our ability for impact. For this, we are very grateful. Feeding the country and fighting COVID-19 is a difficult balancing act. We are calling on all South Africans to support the #onelove #feedafamily campaign to feed vulnerable families affected by the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” said Clement Summerton, National Project Development Manager.
According to recent studies by the South African Labour and Development Department, the poorest of families on average will be losing 45% of their income due to business closures and ceasing of jobs caused by the outbreak. The poorest communities are hit the hardest with many families now struggling to put food on the table.
While many families are struggling at home during this time, as they look for ways to connect, keep entertained, stay in shape and tutor children, the reality is that many others are battling for survival as they are further pushed into extreme poverty, destitution and starvation.
“During the lockdown, we need to stand together as a nation and support each other. We are calling on everyone to help us by helping feed families in need!” concludes Anna Shevel.
