Children without food

BREADWINNERS LOSE JOBS, FAMILIES HIT HARD

A SURVEY of 30 informal settlements in Lami has revealed that children are going without meals because breadwinners have lost jobs.

Lami District Council of Social Services disaster risk reduction officer Jone Tuilau said what greeted them at most homes were empty cupboards and the look of despair on people’s faces.

He raised the issue during a community budget submission drafting workshop organised by the Fiji Council of Social Services at the Nataleira Eco Lodge, Tailevu, last Thursday.

CHILDREN in 30 informal settlements in Lami are going without meals as families struggle to provide food on the table after breadwinners were laid off because of COVID-19.

This, according to Lami District Council of Social Services disaster risk reduction officer Jone Tuilau.

He raised the issue during a community budget submission drafting workshop organised by the Fiji Council of Social Services at Nataleira Eco Lodge, Tailevu, last week.

Mr Tuilau said the plight of the families was made known to them during a COVID-19 impact assessment conducted in 30 informal settlements in the area.

“It was an emotional scene to see cupboards empty without any food at all,” he said.

“Some families go quiet and get very emotional when we ask them if they have had food.

“Most of these families have had to cut down meals in a day because the breadwinners were laid off due to COVID-19.

“It’s even more sad because children are suffering and some families have more than 10 people.”

Mr Tuilau said the situation for most families in the area was dire, they had no work and found it very difficult to plant because of lack of space in the squatter settlements.

“They were already living under the poverty line and after COVID-19 their situation has worsened.

“To understand their situation, one will need to go and spend a day with them to actually experience what they are going through.

“Since they live in informal settlements, they don’t have land to plant their food, this is another problem.”

He said they were trying to find ways to assist the families.

“Plans are underway to distribute food baskets to these families because they really need our help.”