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Nassau, The Bahamas (July 1, 2020): – Hands for Hunger is expanding its reach in the community and changing up the way it delivers food to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the COVID-19 State of Emergency was declared in March, Hands for Hunger has delivered more than 150,000lbs of food to a total of 40 agencies, including senior citizens’ homes, children’s homes, NGOs, and churches.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Hands for Hunger rescued fresh food from our restaurant, bakery and hotel partners and distributed that food to the 17 agencies that we normally service. When the restaurants and hotels closed we had to pivot quickly to a food purchasing and distribution model to ensure we were able to meet the needs of the agencies that regularly depend on us,” explained Keisha Ellis, Executive Director, Hands for Hunger.
“With so many losing income due to COVID-19, we also had to prepare to meet more demand for food assistance.” 
Hands for Hunger was called upon by the Ministry of Health early in the COVID-19 crisis to assist with emergency food relief. Hands for Hunger is also one of the lead agencies serving on the Government’s National Food Distribution Task Force. The task-force, a public-private partnership with a shared commitment to aid members of our community that are in need of food assistance. Through this program, H4H has assisted 6,600 individuals translating to 1650 families. Through the program, these individuals were able to receive a food box or grocery voucher on a weekly basis. 
More than 2,100 individuals are currently being assisted on a bi-weekly basis by Hands for Hunger. This translates into approximately 400 families receiving food assistance over a three-month period. 
In addition to distributing food packages, Hands for Hunger is using digital platforms like the Kanoo digital wallet to facilitate its food voucher program. Recipients are able to use a digital gift card at any Super Value food store to purchase food items. 
“This program gives H4H a substantially larger reach while maintaining physical distancing protocols,” said Ms. Ellis.
H4H has also established a food box program in conjunction with Showman EBistro services. This program provides food assistance to families that need food but are unable to get to a grocery store. 
By offering more than one way for individuals to receive food assistance, H4H can reach the elderly, other vulnerable groups and those with transportation challenges added Ms. Ellis.
The local and corporate communities have stepped up to help Hands for Hunger meet the increased demand for food assistance, through financial and critical in-kind donations.
Atlantis, a long-standing corporate sponsor of H4H, is allowing Hands for Hunger to use its facilities for much-need bulk storage and its food procurement expertise during this emergency food relief effort.
“Atlantis applauds Hands for Hunger and its efforts to feed those in need in our country,” said Atlantis President, and Managing Director Audrey Oswell. “Since opening in 1994, our social and philanthropic outreach has been expansive; however, it is the visible and generous efforts of Hands for Hunger that make us proud of the long-standing partnership we have forged.  
“We are honored to do our part in providing food donations during these trying times. We are all in this together, and only collectively will we get through these difficult times.”
Hands for Hunger raised more than $12,000 in donations through its first Online Virtual Concert on Facebook. The event was watched live by more than 24,000 viewers and featured 16 of the country’s top music artists and DJs. J.S. Johnson Insurance Company was the event’s title sponsor. The production was sponsored by The MOVI Group and ILTV Studios.
“We are extremely grateful for the support from the community,” said Ms. Ellis. “Thank you to all of our donors and volunteers. We could not do this without your support. If you’re interested in donating to H4H visit our website www.handsforhungerr.org/donate. Five dollars can provide five meals, so no amount is too small.”
About Hands For Hunger
Our vision is a transformed Bahamas where everyone has access to three nutritious and fortifying meals each day; no one goes hungry, and the quality of our environment is enhanced. Hands For Hunger was started by a group of Bahamian student leaders, led by Alanna Rodgers in early 2008.  These students were committed to making a difference in the world. Hands For Hunger is a humanitarian organization committed to the elimination of unnecessary hunger and the reduction of food waste through the creation of meaningful and engaging partnerships formed amongst all sectors of the Bahamian community. We strive to inspire a shared sense of social and environmental responsibility amongst citizens, who, individually and collectively, come to realize the power of their contributions. We do this by food rescue and distribution, education, and other innovative solutions aimed at achieving national food security.
For more information, visit our website at www.handsforhunger.org