THIS Saturday under-privileged Islanders will be able to pick up free or heavily-subsidised food at grocery stores across Providenciales.

The country’s first food drive will take place from 8am until 4pm – but those wanting to take part must first register at the Social Services offices.

This week the Ministry of Health and Human Services established a National Food Bank to assist the less fortunate throughout the country.

It will be administered through the Poverty Alleviation and Citizens Empowerment (PACE) programme, and will be officially launched with a food drive in Providenciales this Saturday.

Lillian Boyce, Minister of Health and Human Services, said that although the TCI is generally prosperous there are still pockets of poverty in the TCI which the Government has a responsibility to assist.

“All around the globe we are witnessing situations where economic conditions have led to rising food costs,” she said.

“Food is a basic necessity that should always be within reach and be available to every person.”

She added: “Because we know that there are some families among us who don’t have, or cannot afford food, my ministry and my Government are both determined through this food bank to make life easier and better for them.”

Those eligible will include low-income families, single parents, senior citizens, unemployed and disabled people.

The Government has taken on the responsibility of stocking the food bank but an appeal is being extended to food stores and the wider community to assist by donating dry foods, beverages and canned goods.

The Health Minister stressed that although some businesses find it easier to give cash, in this situation, she wants only food items to give to the needy.

Guidelines are also set up to protect the bank from people who may want to take the food to sell.

Those found guilty of this will be taken off the programme immediately.

In an effort to assist along with the food based initiative, applicants are encouraged to enrol in the PACE computer classes, reading classes at the New Beginnings Skills Training Centre in Five Cays, Providenciales.

Every month the PACE programme will host a motivational speaker night where they will discuss topics such as money management, dressing for the office, good parenting and job skills, and financial opportunities.

For further information on PACE and the National Food Bank, call Elaine Lightbourne at the Office of Social Development, Palmco Building, Leeward Highway, Providenciales on 941 3226.

• Families who would like to receive assistance from the Food Bank are encouraged to sign up at the Social Services offices and are expected to be on the programme for a minimum of three months.

PACE programme administrator Elaine Lightbourne said: “First, the person will come in to fill out an application, after which PACE officers will go out and do an investigation.

“Once satisfied that the applicant is in need the person will be called in to collect food items from the Food Bank.”

Photo identification is required when completing the application.

The entire exercise will be conducted professionally, respectfully and with utmost sensitivity, said Mrs Lightbourne, adding that after the initial application process applicants will have to renew their status every three months.

The needs analysis process will take no more than two days, and once approved, people will receive an identification card that is valid up to three months, allowing them access to food at prescribed times.

In the event of an emergency, special provisions will be made.