The Macedonian Revival Community Development feeding scheme, in Heideveld, offers children and adults a warm plate of food least once a week.
They operate out of a container in Longkloof Circle Road, just behind Willows Primary School.
The container, donated by Breadline Africa in December 2014, has kitchen cupboards, a sink and a stove. Meals are served once or twice a week depending on donations.
Pastor Isaac De Jongh, who is the leader of the feeding scheme, said they wanted to feed people three times a week because of the poverty in Heideveld, but they would need more donations to do so, as much of what they already gave came from their own pockets.
The need, he said, was most desperate in the days before people received their grants from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
About 50 to 100 men, women and children come from Gugulethu, Manenberg, Valhalla Park and Heideveld each week for a plate of food. Their numbers swell to 250 at Christmas.
“Children come with their parents, and some sit here in case there’s enough for another helping.
“Almost every second household is unemployed.
“At least the child will get one plate of food a day, but we need to expand as it will be better for the community because being hungry is not good. The mind runs which leads to other things such as theft and robbery,” he said.
He said it was a privilege to give someone in need a plate of food.
Donations of food were preferred over money.
“If people can buy stuff it will be better because that will cut us having to handle the money. What we need is a 120-litre pot because we always have to borrow pots,” he said.
The team also needs styrofoam bowls, which it hands out to those who don’t bring containers.
“Sometimes we run out of food and it’s not a nice feeling but there’s nothing we can do about that,” said Pastor De Jongh.
Team member Sister Venus Peter-sen said the feeding scheme was a bulwark against the dire poverty in the area.
“I go out and fetch the kids if fewer children come,” she said.
Contact Pastor De Jongh at 084 477 8423 if you would like to help.