“Addressing food insecurity faced by a large marginalized group involves commitment, compassion, connection and cooperation to achieve commendable results. It is a continuous effort that requires constant sacrifice of major stakeholders,” was the words of the Founder/Executive Director of the food bank, Dr. Michael Sunbola, a food system activist and humanitarian whose vision and mission has seen Lagos Food Bank Initiative cater to 160 communities since inception, 8 years ago. In his speech to the attendees of the outreach in one of the communities, he commended the unwavering dedication of the food bank volunteers who showed up in numbers regardless of their busy schedules to help ensure a smooth distribution process.
The food bank in partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation implemented the National Food Distribution Program in Kosofe and Somolu LGAs in Lagos on the 20th of April, 2024, distributing bags of 10kg rice to families residing in Oworonshoki and Akoka-Bariga communities respectively.
The outreach event dazzled with success, as waves of joy swept over countless vulnerable recipients upon receiving their much-needed packages. A vibrant team of food bank volunteers orchestrated the distribution with finesse, adding to the atmosphere of solidarity and support. This timely initiative not only sustained families grappling with poverty but also breathed a ray of hope into the lives of those most in need.
Aliko Dangote Foundation is the private charitable foundation of Aliko Dangote. Incorporated in 1994 as Dangote Foundation, with the mission to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden economic empowerment opportunities.
The National Food Distribution Program, an intervention scheme of the foundation was initiated to assist food insecure Nigerians nationwide with the basic need of food, easing the effects of rising costs of living, which has affected those residing in underserved communities the most.