Poverty in South Africa

Since the end of apartheid, thousands of white South Africans have been forced into poverty. They blame the government's positive discrimination policies, which favour black employees.

Twelve years ago, Afrikaners like Betsie Dreyer lived a privileged and cocooned life. Now, many are dependent on charity handouts. "We are fighting all the time to survive." The government is determined to see the workforce appropriately reflect the population. It gives black people priority in employment, sets 'black quotas' for businesses and favours companies owned by black people. But critics accuse the government of neglecting its responsibility to white citizens. As union rep Kallie Kriel states: "It's ironic that a government that fought racial laws is now doing exactly the same thing."

Upliftment for the Elderly

Meals on Wheels do an amazing job of upliftment amongst the elderly people, and although delivering meals is their concern, they took it upon themselves to recently help some of these unfortunate people by repairing their homes, painting, fixing locks etc. They gathered a team of volunteers and handymen to help, and went armed with donations to transform these homes with the basics.

The joy that this gesture brought to the elderly people was amazing. One can imagine what it meant to them, that there are people out there that care, and that they are not alone.

There are so many people who do not have the means to eat properly, or to prepare food for themselves, and one feels helpless – how does one reach these people. We always think that we have to do the whole project ourselves, but that is not the case. If each individual makes a small donation to those who are equipped to reach these unfortunate people, so many lives are changed. There is a lot one can do to prevent others suffering from hunger.

Help for the Hungry

Lack of resources causes people to eat incorrectly, and they usually tend to eat very starchy meals because they are low cost, and cause an imbalance in nutrients, which in turn causes health problems. Balance in one`s diet is so important, to enable an individual to function normally and ward off illnesses.

A well nourished person is a happy person who then has a better chance of staying healthy – physically, mentally and emotionally.

There are too many people from all walks of life who have reached the point of saturation, and have very little hope for the future. There is a great need to call for help from those who can help even in a very small way. Collectively small donations make a huge difference to others.

Recently Meals on Wheels who deliver meals to those in need, gathered a team of volunteers to help such people improve their homes as well. They arrived there with donations of paint etc. and transformed these homes with the basics. The joyful response made it a totally amazing experience

Poverty relief

Meals on Wheels are doing a fantastic job of providing meals for those who are unable to cook for themselves, and for those who simply don`t have any food to prepare and are often hungry.

It is quite incredible to see the joy and gratitude on the faces of those who receive these wonderfully nutritious meals.

Undernourished people tend to get depressed and sickly, have aches and pains and have no desire to live. This situation causes chronic illnesses and as one gets older, certainly would project the onset on dementia or one of the related memory illnesses.

Supplying these people with excellent nourishment is one way of giving them purpose in life, a feeling of well being and warmth, and a knowing that people care.

Making people happy is the best gift of all, and somehow giving creates a wheel that goes around causing so many to benefit, including the giver. One of the best ways of making oneself happy is to make someone else happy!

The joy of those who receive these meals is truly a lasting joy, it tells them that they are not alone in this world, it tells them that people care, it tells them that others are thinking of them, it tells them that their well being is important to others. That is truly a valuable gift which brings great rewards.

Effects of Malnutrition

The elderly can be affected in many ways by malnutrition, which can cause problems with the eyes, mouth, skin, muscles and memory loss. The body needs to be fuelled with the correct nutrients to enable one to function optimally.

Sadly there are many seniors who simply do not have the means to eat correctly, and it is quite an experience to see the joy that Meals on Wheels brings to so many people. It is remarkable to see them in action, delivering meals to those who are in need, those who would otherwise go hungry. Nourishment is vital to every individual, is a basic need – but too many go without and with just a small gesture on each persons part, so much can be done.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition is the difference in the amount of food and nutrients the body needs and the amount that it is ingesting.

One is undernourished when one or more vital nutrients are not present in the quantity that is needed for the body to function normally. This in most cases is due to insufficient intake.

Chronic diseases are often associated with nutrient loss, and elderly people usually require fewer calories but continue to require adequate nutritional support. Many elderly people have difficulty preparing meals or may have less access to a variety of nutritious foods, if any at all.

Meals on Wheels do an amazing job of supplying ready prepared meals to those who do not have the means to do so for themselves. They are a non-profit organisation, and accept minimal payment for meals from those who can afford it, otherwise meals are supplied free of charge.