The Gauteng Department of Social Development says it has been inundated with calls and requests for food parcels from hungry citizens. According to reports, at least 7 000 requests for food parcels a day have been received in Gauteng.

The high call volumes resulted in the shutting down of the call centre.

Not everyone qualifies to receive food parcels 

The government’s food relief programme prioritises the sick, children, the elderly, the homeless and those who have no income due to the lockdown.

Gauteng Department of Social Development’s  Thabiso Hlongwane says by last week Friday, 8 000 families have been assisted and more are to benefit from the social relief programme.

“The Department of Social Development established what we call a central food bank where food donations will be sent. The central food bank will feed all five food banks in the five regions. As a result, the lists are still coming in and people are still getting food. We are calling for people to be patient with us because we cannot provide food at one go as we are dealing with a high volume of people who need assistance. Those that qualify, you must be an unemployed citizen, and the combined income of your family to be below R3 600.”