Food Distribution in Aweil, South Sudan

Thanks to the our generous donors, GEMS Development Foundation was able to distribute 1.5 tons of sorghum to pregnant and nursing mothers in Aweil, South Sudan. Another 2 tons of sorghum will be distributed this week.

Although Russia has recently agreed to release grain from Ukraine, South Sudan is still suffering from the affects of the grain shortage. Prices will remain high for some time, and for many children the grain will come too late to reverse the damge caused by acute malnutrition as families continue to go without food for days. The grain supplied by our donors makes a world of difference to the families that receive it.

Luka Garang Kenyang, GEMS South Sudan director, spoke with Abuk Akuei Dut, a a mother of six children, who came to receive sorghum for her family at the GEMS food distribution.

Why were you selected in the community to receive food?
Abuk: I’m the poorest woman in a very poor situation where I’m living for what I got in the day for me and children. Also my husband died last two years ago. All these situations maybe that is why Chief chosen me to come here to get food.
What do you do to get food for your family?
Abuk: I’m doing the common work collecting fire wood from the forest and sell them to people in the Market and get grains for the children for the day. Also, some time I and children sleep without food if nobody is buying fire wood.
What will these 50 kgs of sorghum do for you?
Abuk: I’m so happy for this grain today and rest of days I will be okay now. This food is for a month and some days for me with my family!
How many meals will one Malwa (4kg) of grain do for your family?
Abuk: This is a bad time for everyone and particular me with my family. We have to do only one meal in a day. One Malwa will be two days for my family.
Do you have any questions for me and my colleagues in the GEMS?
Abuk: I’m so much excited for your work and God bless you and everyone who is working hard to make the day for poor people like us to get food. I only ask God to give and touch your kind heart to continue supporting poor people like what you did today. Thank you so much for helping us!
Luka Garang: I’m so happy to see you with smiling faces for food today! Thank you too!