The aim of the Fill a Bag, Feed a Family (FABFAF) scheme is to provide basic nutrition for destitute families in the Pretoria surrounds by supplying a grocery-filled bag per family each month. The Irene Fill-a-Bag Feed-a-Family (FABFAF) feeding scheme, based in Gauteng, South Africa is a non-profit organisation which was started in 1993 to provide a measure of nutrition to families with a desperat
e need for basic foodstuffs. The aim of the FABFAF scheme is to provide basic nutrition for ten meals for a family of four by supplying a grocery-filled bag. Widespread hunger unfortunately remains a serious problem in South Africa, despite the ongoing efforts of government at all levels to alleviate the situation. For example, it is estimated that approximately 25% of South African households (+- 12 million people) live below the poverty datum line of R510 (US$ 73) per month calculated on basic essential expenditure. The situation is aggravated by the prevalence of HIV/Aids which often affects the breadwinner of the family. It is estimated that some 4 million people in South Africa are HIV-positive. Against this background, the FABFAF team provides bags once a month to needy families. The bags are channelled through the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s sisters), who are in close touch with the families in the neighbourhood of their mission, and are thus able to identify the most needy, to ensure that they actually receive the food. The cost of filling a bag is approximately R110 (US$14). It is estimated that the various FABFAF initiatives in Irene alone, including donations from schools, churches and individuals, have supplied approximately 25000 bags worth some US$300 000 to needy families in the Pretoria area. From its start in Irene, Centurion, when 12 bags were distributed for the first time, more and more organisations countrywide have adopted this method to alleviate poverty. It is even possible nowadays to buy a completely filled bag from some supermarkets. It is therefore clear that this is an effective, cheap method to get food to those people who need it the most. The thought has occurred to us that community organisations, churches and schools in other countries may wish to consider assisting along these lines. We realise it is not practical to "Fly-a-bag" to South Africa monthly. However, if you would "fly an envelope containing funds", we will use the money to buy food items and fill bags on your behalf. We will also let you know which communities benefit from your generosity. We truly believe that the FABFAF scheme has brought comfort to hundreds of families faced with severe hunger, but we are also aware that we are only scratching the surface of a huge need.
