The Ministry of Housing and Community Development is urging members of the public to be honest and to provide the correct information, when applying for the Veilomani Food Bank assistance.
Whilst distributing food packs over the weekend, the Ministry officials found that a family applied for food assistance although they own and operate few taxis. There were other applicants who were already employed and financially capable of looking after themselves.
In stressing the importance of giving the right and correct information, the Minister for Housing and Community Development Hon. Premila Kumar said that it was rather unfortunate that some people are trying to beat the system, denying those who desperately need our assistance.
“The Veilomani Food Bank is here to assist those who genuinely need assistance and we can only do this well, if members of the public are honest and forthcoming.”
“I therefore urge members of the public to think of those Fijian families who are in greater need and struggling to make ends meet,” said the Minister.
The Ministry has so far distributed 38 food packs to 38 families living in Suva, Lami, Nasinu, Daivulevu, Koronivia, Valelevu, HART residence in Newtown, Waidamudamu settlement, Cunningham Stage 1, Khalsa Road and Waila.
Those who wish to seek assistance under the Veilomani Food Bank initiative can either visit the Housing Ministry at 33 Gorrie Street to fill the form or call 3309918 to give their details. For those in the Western and Northern divisions, they can visit the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission office and give their details.
The Veilomani Food Bank team would like to sincerely thank the British, New Zealand and Australian High Commissions, the American and Japanese Embassies, Asco Motors, Office of the Auditor General, the Fiji Development Bank, other organisations and individuals who have come on board to assist affected Fijian families around the country.