Online Reporter
Patience Ndlovu, Zimpapers Writer
A LOCAL organisation is on a drive to improve nutrition in the city and beyond and has initiated a feeding programme, which has seen them serving over 112 000 meals this year to vulnerable children across various parts of Bulawayo and Umguza District.
Mustard Seed Communities has emerged as a beacon of hope for vulnerable children in the two areas in solving issues related to food insecurity.
Speaking about the initiative, the organisation’s fundraiser Ms Hazvinei Zinyowa explained that the nutrition programme began in 2002 in Woodville, initially operating under a shade.
“Our nutrition programme started sometime in 2002, before we could manage to expand to other parts of Bulawayo.
As Mustard Seed, our nutrition programme has reached centres including Woodville, Cabatsha, Ngozi Mine, Makobo and Pumula,” she said.
All five centres operate from Monday to Friday, serving meals between 12pm and 3pm, sometimes extending to 4pm.
The centre at Ngozi Mine also provides meals on Saturdays. From January to June, over 112 209 meals have been served, feeding more than 890 children daily at each centre.
“The initiative was a move to assist those who are desperately in need of meals, just like the Meals on Wheels concept, which gives people who are in need of meals,” she added.
Ms Zinyowa said the organisation conducts needs assessments to determine how best to assist each community.
“For instance, when we look closely at Ngozi Mine, we notice that half of the people there cannot afford a hot meal daily. Then as an organisation we come in to assist with the feeding programme. Also, to those that are struggling badly, we offer them monthly monetary packages. This initiative is a way of giving back to the community,” she explained.
One beneficiary, who identified herself as Ntombi, expressed deep gratitude for the programme.
“I was part of the programme since ECD A at Little Angels Learning Centre Woodville. Now I’m doing Form 2. I’m dearly grateful for the feeding programme, sometimes it’s the only meal we have, me and my sister,” she said.
Another beneficiary, who identified himself as Themba, echoed the same sentiments.
“Many might view it as not something big but to us it’s very special and we appreciate Mustard Seed. It is very possible to go to bed without a plate of a hot meal. Therefore, this initiative is indeed a life saver not just to me but others as well,” he said.
Ms Zinyowa said the nutrition programme represents more than just meals, she said it symbolises hope, dignity and compassion, reminding communities that they are heard, seen and valued.
“As the Mustard Seed Communities, our mission to serve the community is made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners who also share our vision of ensuring no child is abandoned twice,” she said.
