NGO vows to continue providing 500 meals for children during covid19 crisis

EmpowHerTT founder Avalon Gomez has successfully distributed 500 free meals to assist children that depend on the National School Feeding Programme but has found herself bombarded with phone calls from parents seeking food cards, hampers and other assistance.

Gomez, a businesswoman, said that after the PM initially announced schools would be closed for a week she decided to provide a free meal and a drink per household to those in need.

She said since she released the information on social media it was shared more than 1,000 times and both parents and principals started calling.

Gomez said Thursday was the first phase of distribution to 500 households.

She said although parents were told to go to distribution sites for 11 am, parents and care givers were there and waiting from 10 am.

"Everything went smoothly and I am happy with the feedback I have received from parents/guardians. I am sorry, but I cannot provide any assistance in the way they are requesting. A lot of people believe I am affiliated with the National School Feeding programme.

“I want to reiterate, my project is not tied in any way to getting food cards or hampers nor to get children on the school feeding programme list. This project is just what it is.”

Avalon said the organisation was only trying to assist in providing single-parent homes with meals on Thursdays while children are away from school.

She said the organisation had reached its 500-meal limit and could not facilitate any more requests.

“I think it is only fair the organisation continue to provide for the same 500 households with the free meal and a drink until April 16.”