An Eastridge feeding scheme, dependent on donations to fill their neighbours’ bellies, also shares with residents in Rocklands and Kewtown.
Ann October, 64, fondly known as Aunty Ann, started feeding her neighbours in 2015 and registered a non-profit organisation called Eastridge The Women’s Circle (TWC).
She stopped her work, but with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic she restarted serving her community and their neighbours in Rocklands and Kewtown.
“When I saw the community in pain I started to serve the community full-time,” she said.
Ms October said community organisations – among them the South African National Zakáh Fund (SANZAF), the Mitchell’s Plain Development Action Collective (MPDAC), which supports 25 local feeding schemes; and the National Rescue for Poverty and Drugs (NRPD), a non-profit organisation created to help the less fortunate and people with substance abuse – were regular donors.
She said they serve porridge every day and try to cook at least three times a week, depending on what they have.
Ms October said they cook for her neighbours in Botha Street, residents in Merriman Crescent Eastridge, and recently started serving in Viscount Street, Rocklands and in Anthony Street, in Kewtown.
“Some organisations give us ingredients once a week or monthly.
“Whatever we do not have we take from our pockets and from our houses to share with everyone,” she said.
Sanzaf spokeswoman Sakeena Bock said since the national lockdown various members of the community had missed out on meals.
“Pupils used to eat at school, only attending on a rotational basis; parents have lost their jobs or face reduced salaries and grandparents have become recipients of food aid,” she said.
Ms Bock said they can only support the community if they have the funds and the resources.
How you can help
To make a donation, contact:
- Sanzaf on 021 638 0965
- MPDAC’s Beryl Saaiman on 074 941 1369
- NRPD’s Glenda Rania on 081 341 1674