In a determined effort to address household food security, the North West department of agriculture and rural development recently handed out 200 food parcels to needy households in Madibogopan village.
The provincial World Food Day (WFD) commemoration highlighted the ongoing battle against food insecurity, emphasising the right to nutritious food as essential for all.
Under the theme “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”, the World Food Day celebration focused on the global effort to eliminate hunger and improve nutrition. The food parcels included staple and nutrient-rich items targeted at vulnerable households.
Leading the commemorations, head of department Thupi Mokhatla emphasised the importance of government support in addressing food scarcity.
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“Today’s distribution of food parcels is a vital step towards ensuring that our vulnerable communities have access to essential food supplies. We recognise the struggles faced by many households, and we are committed to providing relief and support,” Mokhatla said.
Improving household food security
In addition to food parcels, the department distributed vegetable seeds and gardening tools to 15 households, encouraging them to embrace sustainable agriculture.
The community was encouraged to participate in departmental agricultural programmes aimed at boosting food production, self-sufficiency, and resilience.
Health official and dietitian Goitsemodimo Senna provided insights on nutrition and the importance of reading food labels, including expiration dates.
“Proper nutrition helps prevent malnutrition and other health-related issues. Having access to nutritious foods supports the immune function while reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting your overall well-being,” Senna said.
The initiative was well-received by beneficiaries, including Rebecca Monwana, who expressed gratitude for the assistance.
“The initiative of the department is greatly appreciated to assist in improving household food insecurity as the majority of the community members are unemployed and there are no economic activities in the village,” she said.
According to the department, they remain committed to finding sustainable solutions to hunger and improving food security in vulnerable communities through partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
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