STRETCHED TO THE LIMIT Tshwane Food Bank faces staff shortages in the fight against hunger

TSHWANE'S most vulnerable residents are counting on the city's Food Bank for essential food parcels but the facility's ability to deliver has been stretched to the limit due to staff shortages.

- RAPULA MOATSHE

This was a pressing concern raised by the members of the Section 79 Community and Social Development Oversight Committee during their recent visit to the facility.

Located at Tshwane Fresh Produce Market in Pretoria West, the facility serves as a storage facility and distribution hub for food parcels, operating under the city's Department of Community and Social Development.

It provides social relief to vulnerable families and supports non-government organisations (NGOs) that care for homeless individuals.

Committee Chairperson Rebecca Monchusi expressed concerns over logistical hurdles hindering the Food Bank's ability to meet growing operational demands. She said that among concerns were the staff shortages that affect efficiency, and the need for a more integrated approach to leverage stakeholder engagement among government departments, local businesses, and the NGO sector.