These packages are affordable, yet nutritionally balanced to sustain a family of four during a two-week isolation should our COVID-19 screening indicate this is necessary.
Pretoria, South Africa (24 April 2020) – The biggest crises in the repercussions of the global COVID-19 pandemic has been the effects of lockdown on our nation’s most vulnerable communities. Households that were already struggling to maintain essential necessities are now facing further disruption to their access to food.
South Africa’s food system has been completely disrupted by COVID-19. The availability of staple food items has been reduced due to panic buying, reduced production and trade restrictions. Accessibility has been affected by lockdown restrictions, with resultant long queues at stores and lack of access to feeding schemes. Reduced earning opportunities and income, combined with food price increases, means that many essential food items have become unaffordable.
An unbalanced diet is the leading cause of ill-health, and, unfortunately, malnutrition is set to increase as a result of the pandemic’s impact on South Africa’s already-inadequate food system. This increased risk of malnutrition leaves poorer communities even more vulnerable to the contraction of a virus.
As corporates, government and NGOs scramble to develop feeding schemes in the face of this national catastrophe, the University of Pretoria’s Department of Family Medicine COPC team has highlighted the importance of a holistic, sustainable food system solution that goes beyond mere sustenance to provide proper nutrition.
The department has developed a highly efficient COVID-19 screening protocol that provides holistic health support to Pretoria’s communities in need. For over 7 years, it’s established itself as a partner for health care for the most vulnerable communities in Tshwane, such as Zama Zama, Melusi, Woodlane and Cemetery View, partnering with the ISF Forum, SA Cares for Life and LIFT NPO from Moreleta Church.
“Our team conducted a major food drive to fundraise food packages specially developed by our qualified dietician, Marion Beeforth. These packages are affordable, yet nutritionally balanced to sustain a family of four during a two-week isolation should our COVID-19 screening indicate this is necessary,” says team lead, Dr Ellenore Meyer.
The food drive has already fed thousands of people in four informal settlements during the first three weeks of lockdown. We do, however, foresee that the need will continue, even worsen, as more people will lose their income should the lockdown continue.
“In the short-term, we need partners to collectively come on board and support essential food provision in their local areas. For the long-term, we need sustainable food systems to be established in communities,” says Dr Meyer.
To donate a food package that helps feed a family of four for 15 days, click here.
To find out how you can partner with the University of Pretoria’s Department of Family Medicine in establishing sustainable food systems in vulnerable communities, contact Dr Ellenore Meyer: ellenoremeyer@hotmail.com
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