Mustadafin Foundation keeping the communities fed

Eased lockdown levels and social grants may have provided relief to some, but the queues for food support remain long at Mustadafin Foundation (Mustadafin).

According to data analysed by ikapadata for the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP), Mustadafin was the largest distributor of food in the Western Cape during lockdown. During the first month of lockdown, Mustadafin supplied 406 572 people with nutritious cooked meals, thanks to the tireless efforts of their team and hardworking volunteers.

“At the beginning of lockdown, we helped community members adjust to the lockdown rules by providing households with food stock to last two weeks, enabling them to cook their own meals at home,” shares Ghairunisa Johnstone, director of Mustadafin Foundation. “Even after the two weeks, and with the continuation of lockdown, we continued to provide cooked meals for the community.”

“With each day added to lockdown, unemployment increased along with salary cuts; this lengthened the queues to peak at 27 910 people per day,” shares Johnstone.

Mustadafin’s food footprint extended to Mdandantsane, Beaufort West, Grabouw, Touwsriver and Eden Karroo District.

“With stricter lockdown levels in the Garden Route, and with the Festive Season upon us, we are preparing more food resources for longer queues and are in dire need of support to help feed the communities hit hardest by the economic impact of lockdown,” says Johnstone.

“We are able to provide a cooked meal for only R12 per day per person. We are encouraging anyone who may have the means to please help us, to donate towards a meal to someone less fortunate,” requests Johnstone.

To help someone have a warm meal this Festive Season, EFT payments can be made to: Mustadafin Foundation Standard Bank Branch code: 025909 Account No: 072 778 377 Ref: #feedabelly or contact 0216330010 or via WhatsApp on 0795673645. We are also based at 154 Antelope Court Bridgetown OR 24 Thornton Road Athlone

“If every man helps his neighbour, then who will need help?”