Bonteheuwel's Sumaya's Soup Kitchen appeals for help to combat food insecurity

Sumaya Davids, the founder of Sumaya's Soup Kitchen in Bonteheuwel, has appealed for donations to feed more people. 

With the growing need for food security, especially on the Cape Flats, Ms. Davids said that there haven't been enough donations to hand out food every day, and often she has had to turn people away because there just wasn't enough. 

Ms Davids, 58, started the feeding scheme in Swartysterhoud Street in Bonteheuwel, back in April 2020 when Covid hit and families were struck with job losses, and no money to feed themselves.

At the time, she fed 250 to 300 people twice or thrice weekly because donations streamed in, but now, she said, that is no more.

She now only cooks food once a week for the poor or when she receives donations, like last week when Wynberg resident Fadia Manie donated ingredients for a pot of vegetable soup, and bread, in honour of her 65th birthday on Sunday, July 27.

Ms Davids said that the need for food security in Bontehuewel was high, and the need kept increasing as families struggled to survive. She said that she understood that people can't donate as they used to, because the cost of living had increased rapidly and many were struggling to make ends meet. 

"I do this because I have a passion for the community, but I cannot do it without the help of donations and sponsors. The one thing that we also need is gas, because it comes out of our pocket- people will donate food but not gas, and it's expensive," she said.

Ms Davids has appealed for residents to dig deep.

"I know it's very difficult times to dig deep into your pockets, but without your help, I cannot do this. Open your hearts and your pockets, and if there is something in your cupboards that you are not using please send it to my community soup kitchen," she said. 

To make a donation, call Sumaya Davids on 083 247 8940.