Orphans and patients on anti-retrovirals benefit from regular community meals. The feeding program is a springboard from which Phelisanong has launched a long term food security initiative. Click to read more.
Long Term Food Security
There is plenty of arable land, water, and sunshine to grow food in Lesotho. Most families have a farming background and agriculture has been the lifeblood of communities for generations. That food system is breaking down in the face of the AIDS pandemic, as people in their productive years are unable to work the land.
Phelisanong works with 14 villages in the Pitseng region, developing orchards and gardens for orphans and HIV patients. Programs are led by local soccer coaches, who mobilize their teams of players to work the land. Members of village HIV support groups work for food and seedlings to plant in their home gardens. These support group members are encouraged to supply surplusses to orphans and patients in their communities.
Along with these small household level gardens, a piggery, 120-chicken laying operation, 500 tree irrigated fruit orchard, along with a greenhouse and 3 hectare demonstration permaculture garden, are being managed by Phelisanong agricultural workers to meet long term food needs of the community.
Emergency Feeding Program
There is an urgent need for short-term assistance for some community members as they work towards creating a sustainable food source. Currently Phelisanong provides emergency feeding programs three evenings per week for orphans from child-headed households and for patients on anti-retroviral and tuberculosis medications. This program purchases all food served from local farmers, and supplements bread and porridge with local eggs and fresh produce from support group gardens whenever possible.
