As you may know, Zimbabwe was facing a major financial crisis even before the Coronavirus hit the world. The country took an extraordinary blow when the lockdown was imposed to keep the people safe and the pandemic caused a profound shock to the existing poor economy.

The consequences of the Covid-19 crisis are devastating on many levels. Looking at the impact the lockdown had on Europe, it is not difficult to imagine the financial catastrophe it has caused in underdeveloped countries.

The world’s most vulnerable are facing a real tragedy. Many people live in overcrowded conditions which make social distancing nearly impossible. Access to clean water and medical care are more difficult. Widespread income loss among families is likely to increase rates of child labour, sexual exploitation, teenage pregnancy, and child marriage. Stresses on families, particularly those living under quarantines and lockdowns, are increasing the incidences of domestic violence.

However the biggest problem by far is FOOD SHORTAGE. Many families are only able to afford one meal a day. Poor households are hanging red clothing from their window as a sign that they are hungry. The lockdown disrupts agricultural production and supply routes — leaving millions to worry about how they will get enough to eat.

The “Emergency Food Parcel Appeal” aims at providing a food supply to poor families in crisis. Each food parcel includes a 10kg bag of starch-rich flour, 1 kg of protein-sourced sugar beans, two litres of cooking oil, 2.5kg of sugar and a bar of laundry washing soap.

A donation of £20 will pay for an emergency Food Parcel to be distributed in Silobela, an agricultural village in Kwekwe District in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. If you would like to help those who are facing this unexpected crisis, please join with us in the “Emergency Food Parcel Appeal”.