On September 14th 2024, Lagos Food Bank Initiative collaborated with an esteemed friend and partner of the food bank, Kehinde Shittu, to support women and families in low-cost communities through the Temporary Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) to commemorate his birthday. The celebrant leveraged on the food bank’s easy access to grassroot to provide beneficiaries with nutritious staple foods, essential care items and decent clothing needed to lead a healthy and active life.

“I can’t thank your organization enough for the food items we have received. It is such a blessing for me and my family right now and we are so grateful.” This was a statement by one of the beneficiaries after receiving her box of love, containing nourishing and care items. Although the celebrant was absent due to an emergency, the beneficiaries celebrated him and wished him well by singing a birthday song for him and offering their prayers to mark his special day.

Speaking to the attendees of the outreach, a representative of the food bank, Omozele Okojie, appreciated the food bank volunteers for showing up in large numbers to support the act of giving and community development, encouraging their spirit of volunteerism to be extended beyond borders. She also highlighted the importance of celebrating special occasions and anniversaries through the food bank as a way of reaching out to needy individuals and households, which is important in building resilient communities.

The outreach was remarkably successful with a significant number of volunteers who contributed their time and effort for a seamless distribution which demonstrated their commitment to community development. They also cheered the beneficiaries up with games and dancing, which saw some of the women receive gift items as winners of an engaging fun-filled exercise, ensuring smiles on their faces.