Saturday 26th October 2024 was a day to remember for beneficiaries of the Temporary School Feeding Program (TEFAP) of Lagos Food Bank Initiative, having partnered with Adebowale “Debo” Adedayo, popularly known as Mr. Macaroni, a Nigerian actor, comedian, and activist to provide staple foods and personal care items to resilient women and households residing in economically disadvantaged communities in Lagos State.
The outreach day kicked off with a warm welcome of the partner by the food bank team and volunteers, followed shortly with a presentation by a food bank team member and a brief tour around the facility.
Prior to the distribution of the boxes of hope at the food bank warehouse in Punch Estate, Mangoro, Ikeja, the partner and his team demonstrated selflessness by engaging in the packaging of the food boxes, working alongside food bank volunteers who came to show their support for community-centered projects.
To commence the distribution, the Founder/Executive Director of the food bank, Dr. Michael Sunbola, appreciated the partner and his team, commending his good works which resonates positivity and hope for younger generations in the media space. He also highlighted the importance of service to humanity as a way of living a fulfilling life.
Speaking to attendees of the distribution program, Mr. Macaroni expressed his delight at being a part of an impactful initiative and pledged to show support for the food bank’s mission and vision, emphasizing that interventions like the food bank’s is what the nation needs to overcome challenges. He also commended the volunteers for their sacrifice and service to humanity, encouraging them to keep the spirit of volunteerism alive as a tool for driving the desired change in society.
Accompanying the partner of the day was Ajayi Akorede, also a popular face in the entertainment space widely known as Korexx. During his remarks, he appreciated the food bank for their impact in society and expressed his will to contribute and advocate for more collaborations to further the organization’s efforts in bridging the hunger gap in various communities.
One of the beneficiaries of the distribution, Mrs. Busayo Ayoola, a widow from Oshodi Community, filled with unexplainable joy upon receiving her food box, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the food bank team and their partners for supporting her family who have been struggling economically to meet their daily needs.
The success of the outreach is proof to the power of collaboration in addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity. Indeed, no problem is unsolvable when like-minds work together to achieve a common goal.