Reach Out Athlone is one of the many informal feeding schemes helping those who have lost income due to the Covid-19 lockdown.
Kewtown residents Aziza Hendricks, Mariam Daniels, and Shameemah Daniels started it four year ago.
Ms Hendricks is also a member of the City of Cape Town’s Women For Change programme, started in 2016 to build safer and stronger communities.
According to Ms Hendricks, the scheme, with the help of donations from her fellow residents at Kannabast Close Court, gives warm meals to about 700 people twice a week.
The trio also help the vulnerable in the community – both young and old – with a range of other social issues.
“A few days ago I assisted a lady who lived on the street as she was in a really bad condition,” said Ms Hendricks.
“She was sleeping in her own faeces and urine and wore layers upon layers of clothing.
“She was sick and needed someone to help her so I washed her and clothed her, gave her something to eat and then took her to hospital.
“She was diagnosed with HIV and TB and she is now booked in at Valkenberg.
“I would love to see her, but I can’t because of the lockdown so we speak on the phone regularly.”
Ms Hendricks thanked those who had donated to the feeding project and urged others to support it.
Kewtown resident Bridget Nicholson said the feeding scheme was of great benefit to the community and she donated to it once a month.
“It is very helpful in the community, definitely something that Kewtown needs, and I am grateful that I am able to help them.”
On Tuesday May 19, mayor Dan Plato visited various feeding schemes in Cape Town.
He donated soya mince, lentils, rice, samp and soup mix and issued some with three-plate gas burner stoves, as well 80 and 100 litre pots.
Mr Plato said supporting community soup kitchens was more sustainable than handing out food parcels.
“With our assistance, the soup kitchens are able to continue their important work,” he said.