The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) supported by MITT, Housing and Local Government have established a food bank initiative under its Corporate Social Responsibility.

The Veilomani food bank initiative uses the Biblical concept of ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ (Lomana Na Wekamu) and has been established to reach out to Fijians families directly affected by the COVID-19 quarantine where no one from the families can go to work.

“Due to some Fijians testing positive, we have seen that no one from these households is able to earn, which has affected them financially,” said FCCC CEO, Joel Abraham.

“The pandemic presents not only a public health crisis for Fiji but also an economic crisis of unprecedented scale.”

“In our assessment of supply chains, while there is no shortage of food items, not everyone may have the ability to buy all the items they need. We started this as our social responsibility to ensure our people don’t go hungry.”

This will help to provide essential food items to fellow Fijians, in this time of need, who have been dealt a major blow by having family members associated in positive COVID-19 cases and are unable to currently make a living.

The framework and the standard operating procedures for this initiative have been prepared and have been designed for maximum efficiency.

“The distribution of essential food items from the Veilomani Food Bank will be done according to the standard operating procedure which is divided into four categories such as collection, storage, packaging and distribution to the beneficiaries,” said Abraham.

“While the primary focus is on those affected by COVID-19 pandemic, this should also set a benchmark for future projects like this in the case of similar crises.”

Distribution of food items in the Western division and Labasa has been set to begin by Monday and for those wishing to donate, donation bins will be available at RB Patel and MH/Max Val U supermarkets.

Donation Bins Distribution List:
RB Patel
Suva City – Rodwell Road, Suva
Centrepoint – Laucala Beach, Nasinu
Southpoint – Nakasi
Nausori

MH/ Max Val U
Suva City – MHCC Building
Vivarass – Laucala Beach
Valelevu – Daniva Road
Nakasi – Nakasi Complex (not Rups Complex)
Nausori – Town
Navua

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj