Madibogopan – To improve and attend to household food security matters, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, handed over 200 food parcels to
200 indigent households in Madibogopan Village as part of the commemoration of the Provincial World Food Day (WFD) on Wednesday, 30 October 2024. 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. 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. Leading the commemorations, Head of Department Mr Thupi Mokhatla emphasized the importance of community support and the role of 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. We recognize the struggles faced by many households, and we are committed to providing relief and support” said Mokhatla.
The department additionally 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.
Health official and Dietician Mr Goitsemodimo Senna, talked on the importance on 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” stated Senna.
“The initiative of the department is greatly appreciated to assist in improving household food insecurity as majority of the community members are unemployed and there is no economic activities in the village” exclaimed one of the beneficiaries of the food parcels Ms Rebecca Monwana, 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.
PICTURE CAPTION:
676A9289.JPG –HoD Thupi Mokhatla joined by Cllr Matlhomola Japhta to hand over garden tools to ensure backyard garden initiatives.
676A9155.JPG–Food parcels and garden tools handed over in efforts to improve and attend to household food security matters in Madibogopan.
Issued by
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The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Director: Ms Emelda Setlhako
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Khutala Tshangela
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