The Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) through Nkhoma Synod has commenced distributing assorted food items to 1700 households in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Salima as one way of alleviating hunger among families affected by El Nino.
Speaking on Monday during the launch of the distribution exercise in the area of TA Salima, Nkhoma Synod Moderator Edward Kaluluma said that for the next five months, households will receive a 50-kilogram bag of maize flour, a 10-kilogram bag of beans, and 3 litres of cooking oil.
“The houses that have been identified to receive food assistance have been heavily affected by food shortage, because most the households are food insecure, we are hopeful that the response will go a long way to alleviate their situation,” he said.
According to Kaluluma, Nkhoma Synod has received funding from their partners World Renew and Canadian Food Grain Bank amounting to K869 million which will be used during the exercise.
He said that as a church, they believe in helping the needy so that they can see the love of God through the good deeds of the church.
“The Malawi Vulnerable Assessment Committee reports over 5.7 million people in the country are likely to be food insecure in the next few months, therefore collaborating with the government to alleviate the hunger that most families will face before the next harvesting season is very important,” he said.
Expressing her gratitude to Nkhoma Synod, on behalf of her people, TA Salima said the hunger situation in the area is huge, therefore having CCAP to offer assistance has been a relief.
“People poorly harvested in the last farming season,” she added.
On this point, the TA cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the items as this would only worsen their situation.
She added that people should keep an eye on those who will be selling the food items and report them to relevant authorities.
“I have issued a warning to anyone who will be selling what they have received, and also I have advised them to utilize the food accordingly and not over-prepare food in their homes,” she said.
A beneficiary, Nelet Stima, from Mvunguti village, in the area of TA Salima, said she has been struggling to find food, therefore the food items will improve the nutrition status of her family.
World Renew and CCAP work together to improve local healthcare systems through maternal and child health programmes, and to help families achieve long-term food security.
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