Coming together to feed those in need

HIGH unemployment rates and an ever increasing number of children going to bed with empty stomachs prompted local residents to start a feeding scheme.

Since the inception of the project in 2002 by a group of local ladies, members of the feeding scheme have been working hard to source sponsors.

After 17 years of operation, the Greytown Feeding Project, which was started as a soup kitchen, now feeds a number of needy people in Greytown and surrounding areas.

Speaking on the project, chairperson Dayaram Aheer said: “The unemployment rate in the area and high number of people with disabilities who cannot feed themselves motivated me to join these ladies, who were the pioneers of the project. I have been the chairperson of the organisation since then.

“Every Tuesday and Thursday we feed more than 200 people at the hall. During school holidays we experience high numbers of children coming to the hall.

“Meals include beans curry and rice. On Tuesday we feed them biryani,” Aheer said.

Although sourcing donations has been a challenge for the organisation, Aheer said local businesses and residents have been supportive of the project over the years.

“We would like to thank our sponsors which are businesses in Greytown: Kharodia’s, Aheers group, Plennegy and many residents of Greytown. We also have Zaheda Police as our sponsor.

“Other sponsors are from Germany — Siyabonga and Alpensola,” said Aheer.