Picture: Food parcels and garden tools handed over in efforts to improve and attend to household food security matters in Madibogo Pan/Supplied
By REGINALD KANYANE
8 November 2024- The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development handed food parcels to 200 indigent households in Madibogo Pan village, near Mahikeng, as part of the commemoration of the Provincial World Food Day on 30 October 2024.
Head of Department (HoD), Thupi Mokhatla said this initiative will assist them to improve and attend to household food security matters.
Mokhatla said this initiative highlights the ongoing battle against food insecurity that many families in the community face and the importance of access to nutritious food for all. He further said the World Food Day event, celebrated under: “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”, serves as a reminder of the global effort to end hunger and improve nutrition.
“The food parcels handed over included staple foods and nutritious items to households identified as most in need and mainly child and female headed. This endeavour is part of the department’s mandate in promoting food security and improving the livelihoods of rural communities.
“This is the role of the government in addressing food scarcity in the province. Today’s distribution of food parcels is a vital step towards ensuring that our vulnerable communities have access to essential food supplies,” said Mokhatla.
He added that they recognize the struggles faced by many households, and they are committed to providing relief and support. Mokhatla said in addition, the department handed over vegetable seeds and garden tools to 15 households.
“Communities were urged to engage with various agricultural programs available through the department, aimed at enhancing food production and sustainability, while emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and resilience.
“The objective of WFD is to stimulate agricultural production and trade in the marginalised and poorer areas within the provinces through cooperation and collaborations with other relevant stakeholders.”
A dietician, Goitsemodimo Senna, talked on the importance of eating healthy, nutritious foods and reading food labels, including expiry dates.
“Proper nutrition helps prevent malnutrition and other health related issues, having access to nutritious foods supports the immune function, whilst reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting your overall well-being,” he said.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries, Rebecca Monwana said: “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.”
The Guardian 