<strong>By: Hollard</strong>

The Covid-19 pandemic has aggravated food insecurity in the most vulnerable communities within our society, says Londiwe Mkhize, Hollard’s Group Head of Corporate Affairs.

The organisation which has donated R10-million towards the Solidarity Fund will also distribute food hampers in selected communities.

“We need each other now more than we ever have. The African concept of Ubuntu rooted in sharing and giving is keeping many of us alive during these trying times” she says.

“In keeping with this spirit, which is at the core of our values, we are distributing food parcels in some of the communities in need. As a socially responsible corporate citizen, we felt the need to do something meaningful and impactful and what better way to achieve that, than to play our part in feeding families that are less fortunate”.

In partnership with the Lungile Mtshotwana Foundation, this month Hollard will distribute a minimum of 550 food hampers in disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape.

“We continue to support government’s efforts during this time in any way we can and this initiative illustrates our goal of collaboration from a public-private partnership perspective” Mkhize says.

“The food hamper beneficiaries are in keeping with the national Department of Social Development guidelines and will benefit those who need it most during this time.”

The hampers each comprise protein such as chicken, soya mince, tinned fish; vegetables such as baked beans, potatoes and cabbage. Staple food like maize meal and rice, also form part of the hamper; together with cooking oil, cake flour, spices, and other essentials.

“We have also made provision for some personal toiletries, of which soap is one of the important items in following health guidelines in our fight against Covid-19. This should aid in the promotion of regular and correct washing of hands as a form of good personal hygiene” she says.

Distributors of the parcels will adhere to best practices of adherence to social distancing, wearing of masks, hand sanitising and other health protocols as outlined by the national Department of Health.