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Families turned away as FSN runs out of food
Dr Simmonds described the post made on August 7, 2016 on the BVI Community Board as a “cry for help” as she noted that some families are desperate for assistance.
“The Family Support Network's Pantry is out of food. Since Thursday we turned 8 families away because we have no food,” Dr Simmonds wrote.
534 received food assistance so far this year
The FSN Director further said that from January 2016 to date, FSN has have given food to 534 men/women.
“…to get a clear view of the numbers that are fed, you need to multiple an average of 2 children per person X 534 = 1068). We have grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren on very limited incomes; mothers who are waiting for outstanding child maintenance, to be told by the court that no monies have been paid or mothers who have to decide whether to pay the rent, keep the lights on or buy food.”
Further relating the gloom that some families face, Dr Simmonds said school is to reopen in a few weeks and “families will have to again decide with their limited income what is more important school uniform, books, or food,” she said.
“Because of the great demand for food, families can only receive food once a month. Whatever you are able to donate to our pantry will be greatly appreciated. Every bit counts. Thanking you in advance for your contribution to our food pantry,” Dr Simmonds wrote.
Meanwhile, it was on June 13, 2016 at a fund raising walk that Dr Simmonds revealed that FSN saw a large increase in clients from 2015 to June 2016, categorised by new clients, counselling sessions, phone call counselling, food distribution and protection orders.
The amount of children in the FSN system for 2015 is 27, while for 2016 there are some 24. Women seen by FSN in 2015 numbered 161 while for 2016, some 60 have already been catered for.
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