Food Bank – Main branch takes shape

THE first seeds for the Pacific Conference of Churches Food Bank were planted today in Fiji’s capital, Suva.

Under brilliant sunshine, Anglican Bishop Henry Bull blessed the occasion via conference call from Dreketi – about 200km north of the site.

Corn and cabbages were planted on a site which already has cassava (manioc), bele (island spinach), bananas and plantain.

As the food is harvested it will be offered for free at a roadside stall. Some of the crops will be distributed to informal squatter settlements, homes for the destitute and aged care facilities.

The Tongan and Vanuatu national councils of churches have asked for support to form similar food banks and money will be sent to facilitate these requests.

PCC General Secretary, Reverend James Bhagwan, said the Suva Food Bank was situated in direct view of the central Government offices and buildings which housed many of the United Nations’ programmes.

“Hopefully this project will encourage people to make use of land which is idle, bring fresh, healthy food into diets, reduce the reliance on imports and allow islanders to get in touch with the soil and creation,” Bhagwan said.

‘It’s vitally important that we feed those in need from what we have. We will not ask people for money. If they need food, it is here to take – as long as they take it responsibly.”

The first PCC Food Garden provided cassava, bele, kumala (sweet potato) and lemon grass planting material for passers by and visitors.