The atmosphere at Lagos Food Bank Initiative was filled with joy and excitement on July 14th, 2025, as we held another impactful outreach under our Temporary Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The goal of this program to support vulnerable individuals, including elderly women, widows, and visually impaired persons, from underserved communities with nutritious food that can feed a family of four for two to four weeks.
This outreach was made even more special with the presence of our beloved partner, veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw. Her arrival was met with loud cheers and heartfelt excitement from the volunteers, who had eagerly looked forward to welcoming her. Touched by the warm reception, she began her visit with a guided tour of the facility, graciously led by the Executive Director of Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Dr. Michael Sunbola.
In his opening address to attendees of the outreach, the Executive Director of Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Dr. Michael Sunbola, appreciated the partner of the day and her team for their timely partnership, highlighting the positive impact she has had on the younger generation through her screenplays and wonderful personality that transcends beyond the movies. He also appreciated the first-time volunteers for choosing to make an impact in communities through the Food Bank, and also the old timers for their unwavering support throughout the impact journey of the nonprofit organization.
Kate brought great energy and joy to the event. She joined volunteers in diligently packing food boxes, with fun side interactions and laughter along the way. After that, she spent time playing games, chatting, and taking pictures with volunteers and beneficiaries alike. She ended the day by personally handing each box to the women, one by one, spreading warmth and kindness throughout.
In her testimonial after the distribution, Kate Henshaw expressed her utmost delight in partnering with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative and learning about their service to humanity through various strategic programs. As a way of marking this year’s celebration of her birthday through a series of charitable activities, Kate revealed that what the Food Bank does for the less privileged was indeed an eye-opener and she urged the involvement of well-to-do individuals who are humanitarians at heart, as well as organizations seeking for ways to impact communities greatly to reach out to the Lagos Food Bank Initiative and key into their vision and mission of reducing hunger and malnutrition, and promoting food security in underserved communities where the effects of economic hardship hits the most.
One of the beneficiaries said; “When I got the call from Lagos Food Bank, I knew it was nothing but to come and get food.” This simple message underscores the significance of this support to the communities it serves.
The outreach was more than just giving out food; it was about bringing hope, care, and a sense of community. Every beneficiary went home not just with food, but with a renewed sense of belonging and feeling of relief.