ERP EMERGENCY FOOD RELIEF PROGRAM

In late May 2020, in the wake of economic devastation among people in rural areas, caused by the SA govt’s coronavirus shutdown, ERP launched an emergency relief program aimed at feeding the hungry in 9 locations near ERP’s current or planned conservation land projects.

The program was to last 3 cycles over 3 months, aiming for 1m meals. ERP extended the program by a month, and reactivated it over the Christmas period in 1 location. Throughout, data was gathered into how many people were sharing dry ingredient parcels, and how long parcels lasted.

By late December, survey data showed that 2m+ meals were provided. Primary funding came from Group companies, but ERP enjoyed generous support from the James Banks Foundation. Group staff volunteered time but the ‘heavy lifting’ in planning and executing was done by Lesiba Masibe, Lennon Mavuwa, Thami Mupawose, Eliot Chisango and Lorraine & Fortune Mabeba, of ERP’s poverty-alleviation arm.

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