JourneyOnline
UnitingWorld has this week launched a Food Relief Appeal for the people of rural Zimbabwe, in response to worsening issues of food security.
The appeal follows an initial AUD$25 000 commitment from UnitingWorld which saw 835 families in Buhera receive emergency food supplies through UnitingWorld’s partner, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe.
UnitingWorld now aims to raise AUD$100 000 through the Food Relief Appeal to provide emergency food supplies for another 1765 families in the district of Buhera. The emergency food packs will give each family enough corn and beans for one to two weeks as well as cooking oil and soap.
“After visiting Zimbabwe for the initial distribution of food in August of this year, it is clear that the people in this area know what it means to be hungry,” said Rob Floyd, Associate Director of the Relief and Development Unit of UnitingWorld.
“The additional food supplies that this appeal will provide can begin to alleviate the food crisis for many people. We will continue to work for lasting change through the recommencement of our Water Harvesting project.”
Rev Simbarashe Sithole, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe said, “On behalf of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, it would be very helpful if we can have food assistance for our people. As a church we are doing our best to ensure that whatever little is available gets to the remotest part of the country.”
An estimated five million Zimbabweans are currently in need of food relief and the UN has predicted that this number could soar to over seven million by the end of the year.
More information about the appeal is available on our website at www.unitingworld.org.au.
Photo : Rev Simbarashe Sithole, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, addresses the 12th Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia in July. Photo by Kim Cain
