More than twentyfive thousand food parcels distributed

“More than twentyfive thousand COVID-19 food parcels have been distributed in various districts,” Angela Salmo, director at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing told Times of Suriname. All of the people who had applied for a parcel in the Saramacca District have received their food parcel. Salmo explained that due to the smooth processing of the registration data the ministry decided to start handing out food parcels again before July 6. The ministry had initially planned on resuming the project on July 6. The distribution of individual food parcels was put on hold two weeks ago due to the chaotic situations at the various distribution centers. The ministry also introduced new rules. One of the rules was that people had to apply for a food parcel at a local office of the ministry in their district. The registration period for senior citizens, people with an impairment and the unemployed was concluded last week.

Small groups of people in the districts Marowijne, Nickerie,

Para and Wanica still have to receive a food parcel. Food parcels must also be distributed in the Commewijne District. People whose family name starts with F to O must also get their turn. Director Salmo explained that the ministry wants to help everybody who is still on the waiting list this week.