Persons with disabilities in Machinga have asked well-wishers to support them with food items following reports of food shortage in the district.

Speaking on Saturday when Joy Abilities Empowerment and Charis Foundation donated food and non-food items to persons with disabilities and the elderly, one of the beneficiaries Jackson Chibwana from Senior Chief Sitola said most people did not harvest enough this year.

He said unavailability of fertiliser and Cyclone Freddy affected crop output, which has resulted in persons with disabilities facing hunger.

Some of the people in need of food assistance

“Most households headed by persons with disabilities and the elderly have been heavily affected by the hunger. We need immediate support,” said Chibwana.

The organisation’s director Benardatter Vaz said the donation was part of their one-year project which seeks to support persons with disabilities and the elderly from Lilongwe and Machinga districts.

“With the little support our organisation sourced, we thought it wise to share with marginalised communities who are in dire need of support because their crops were washed away by floods induced by Cyclone Freddy.

“We will continue supporting them every month up to June 2024.”

Machinga Likwenu legislator Bright Msaka (Democratic Progressive Party) said it was important to support the less-privileged in society and as Likwenu lawmaker, he will continue to source more support and extend his hand to the people.

The donation was funded by United States-based River of Hope Church to the tune of K1.5 million.

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