“Partnering with Lagos Food Bank is something we enjoy doing, and we will continue our partnership across the various programs to ensure we impact families and communities towards resilience and sustainability,” said Charles Ahamefula Egekwu of Access Bank, during the Temporary Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) outreach of the food bank which took place on the 3rd of December 2024, at the Lagos Food Bank warehouse in Mangoro, Ikeja.

The partnership between Lagos Food Bank Initiative and Access Bank Plc. proved a timely intervention considering the increased economic challenges in recent times, providing essential food security, decent clothing and relief items to underserved communities across Lagos state. Taking place on the 3rd of December at the Lagos Food Bank warehouse in Mangoro, Ikeja, and on the 5th of December at Bariga Community, the gratitude expressed by the beneficiaries were heartwarming, and a revelation to the impact of collaborations against food insecurity.

Mrs. Abiola, a beneficiary from Bariga Community, shed some light on the difficulties in feeding her family of six, during her testimonial with the media team of the food bank. “For two days now, me and my children have not eaten any food, and as a widow, I am sometimes forced to go and beg on the streets for food for my family. I cannot express how I feel today after receiving this box of food. This help will go a long way for me and my family, and for that I am very grateful. Thank you Access Bank and Lagos Food Bank for supporting me and many other women in this community, may God bless you all.”

In his address to attendees of the outreach program at Bariga Community, the Founder/Executive Director of Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Dr. Michael Sunbola, appreciated the partners of the day for their commitment to impacting communities through recurring partnerships with the food bank. He also highlighted the importance of the international day of observation, International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, celebrated on the 5th of December every year, appreciating every volunteer who have contributed to the impact and growth of Lagos Food Bank Initiative, a private-driven nonprofit, committed to combating hunger, malnutrition and poverty in underserved communities.

The partnership was an immense success, witnessing a large turn out of volunteers, both at the food bank warehouse and Bariga Community, who attended to show their unwavering commitment to making our society a better place for all.