Larson says it is ‘shameful’ that some have attacked the work of task force volunteers

The National Food Distribution Task Force has moved into phase two of the program, which aims to assist those who are considered to be the “most vulnerable”, Chairman Susan Larson said yesterday, adding that it is “shameful” that some have attacked task force volunteers on social media.

“The task force applied internationally recognized criteria to the process and used a weighting system to calculate vulnerability levels objectively,” Larson said in a statement. 

“But never once have we lost sight of basic humanitarian concerns. It is a truly terrible thing not to have enough food to feed your family. The sharpened focus enables us to continue to assist those whose level of food security has not returned to pre-COVID levels.”

The program was started earlier this year in an effort to provide widespread food assistance amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis and was initially expected to continue until the end of August.

However, the first phase was extended to the end of October, and the second phase of the program is expected to continue until December 31.

The statement from the task force noted that, “As directed by the prime minister and determined by the available national budget, phase two has a tightened focus on the most vulnerable.

“Vulnerability criteria suggested by the World Food Programme and tailored to the Bahamian context were designed into the registration process back in May 2020 and are now being used to orient the focus of the task force’s outreach on the most vulnerable. The criteria include unemployment with no or low benefits, chronic illnesses, infants and young children, elderly, shut-ins, impacted by natural disasters (such as Hurricane Dorian).”

Larson was also critical of those who attacked the NGOs working with the task force and their volunteers.

“It is shameful that certain people have used social media to attack the heroic efforts of our NGOs and their workers and volunteers at this time,” Larson said.

“The task force has worked tirelessly to ensure its efforts have been carried out transparently and equitably for all and every member of the task force is incredibly proud of what has been achieved.”

The statement noted that members of the program are still operating and helping thousands in need each week.

“Changing the frequency of distribution in some areas was done because of the extraordinary logistics in getting thousands of food parcels out every week and also to reduce risks associated with the pandemic,” Larson said.

“Effectively, we’ve doubled up portions to help households get through two weeks, not one.”

She also thanked NGO workers and volunteers “who have devoted more than 26 weeks of non-stop effort to assisting the most vulnerable in our communities”.

“Many of them work six and seven days a week,” she said.

“The depth of their commitment to this cause is inspiring. Their work has often been thankless. The nation owes them a huge debt of gratitude.”

JUMPLINE:

 ‘Every member of the task force is incredibly proud of what has been achieved’

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