p until recently, the Lulisandla feeding programme at Shongweni Mission was going well. With the help of some Government funding, we were able to buy 20 loaves of bread every day, as well as peanut butter and jam, to provide a small meal for 170 orphans and vulnerable children.

Then, without warning, the grant was reduced to the point that it will feed only 10 children per day.

How does anyone choose the ten fortunate ones … and then explain to the 160 unfortunates that they can’t have the already meagre daily sandwich they had come to depend on?

If only those who cut the grant could witness the longing and disappointment on the faces of those little ones who still come to the door, hoping that there might be something left over for them.

No matter how carefully we budget to meet the needs of the Missions, there’s always the ‘unexpected’ for which there’s just no money. Not even enough to buy the remaining 18 loaves of bread that are needed to feed all the children each day, plus peanut butter and jam.