The meal we need

If there is any moment that requires sobriety, frugality and effectiveness on the part of the State; the hour is now! Thus, our thoughts in these moments cannot only be fixated on the many welfare programs rolled out by the State, leaving the net effect unfocused.

Prominent and popular amongst these welfare policies is the State's Free Food Delivery to the "Vulnerable". Undoubtedly, this policy is a laudable one, but has since come under flak after its implementation.

WHY SO?

First of all, the criteria used to ascertain people who are eligible for the service is quite problematic. This is due to the vague definition of the term " the vulnerable ", who are the category of people deemed eligible to access the State's food service.

I thus plead with the government, with all humility and respect, that the vulnerable in these times are not only widows, the old aged, head porters, and the disabled.

There are many of the active labour force, active men and women, students,and generally young men and women( eg carpenters, Headdresses, etc) who are rendered vulnerable due to the lawful restrictions on movements.

These people would have otherwise engaged in their menial jobs for survival. Even more so is the fact that certain institutions providing essential services (eg the banks, hospitals) have began laying off their "casual workers". In fact, we are all vulnerable in these moments. It, therefore, behoves the government to as much as possible" widen the net" of the program to encapsulate all households in affected areas.

Moreover, the quality of the foods, especially the "hot meals" have also come under flak. If the quality of the foods are not well enhanced but rather compromised, the resultant equation is a double negative economic and health implications. With the former, people may (and actually are) dispose of the meals when taken.

In the latter case, we all know, that unsafe food, for that matter contaminated food has severe health implications on consumers, perhaps worse than COVID 19.

Let me be quick to add, that the mode of distributing these foods is also an issue of much concern to humanity at large. In a haste to serve and receive these food items, all safety precautions ( as social distancing, washing of hands) are "vomited", putting precious lives and the entire universe at dire risk.

Even as we relish these services, let's be circumspect, and endeavor to observe the necessary protocols.

We cannot afford to trade sorrow for tragedy, neither can we trade stone for rock. Nevertheless, sorrow must be traded for happiness, likewise stone for gold.

#spreadcalmnotfear
#stayhomestaysafe