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by pltm
(PLTM) - Just two months after a plea to the Territory from the Family Support Network (FSN), the charitable organisation is back at the feet of residents, seeking donations for food to feed needy families.
As this has become a regular occurrence, Director of the Network, Dr. Sylvia Simmonds, having exhausted all other mediums, is now turning to supermarkets for assistance.
In an interview with BVI Platinum News, Dr. Simmonds disclosed the Network’s intention to approach local supermarkets and encourage them to donate items that are regularly thrown out close to their expiration date.
“Supermarkets have a surplus of food that they throw out, food that can be contributed to assist in feeding our clients.”
She noted that charitable pantries around the world have partnerships with supermarkets, where they would donate food items set to expire between five and ten days.
“This would help us a lot. They [supermarkets] throw away a lot of food that can be utilized. There are many food items that even when they pass their expiration, they can still be utilized. Of course we won’t distribute anything detrimental to a person’s health.”
Dr. Simmonds stated that if this partnership does happen, it would make way for a steady inventory for the Network.
“It will be a great partnership that will help us tremendously.”
Greater Demand
As outlined by Dr. Simmonds, client numbers of the Network have significantly grown over the last year, adding that their efforts are getting even more difficult.
“I think the reason why we have a huge problem with food is because persons are unemployed or have little to no funds left over from things like rent and bills, to feed an entire family. That’s a big dilemma for a lot of families, worse where kids have nothing to eat.”
She added, “We have a huge issue when it comes to food and we try to ration the portions as much as we can. We are trying the best to maximize what we have, but it’s still not enough. We have no steady support.”
The Network often tries to decrease their dependents by assisting their clients to obtain and maintain jobs, as well as other ways to generate income.
“Eight percent of the persons we feed are because of maintenance issues for their children. They have little to no money to cover their obligations. We do encourage them to go to the court, but that’s a process.”
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