Food for the Poor (FFTP) yesterday said that on Tuesday, January 23, it partnered with the Marriott Hotel “Serve 360 Sustainability Programme”, to provide food relief to forty vulnerable families in the South Georgetown/Sophia areas.
The programme is intended to last six to 24 months and as the socio-economic conditions of the beneficiaries improve, they will gradually be transitioned out of the programme.
Marriott Hotel “Serve 360 Sustainability Programme” is the company’s’ commitment to creating positive and sustainable impact wherever they do business. This is guided by their 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
CEO of FFTP, Andrea Benjamin, who spoke at the handing-over ceremony stated, “This is a labour of love from everyone involved in the programme. Over the years, FFTP (Guyana) Inc has been supporting vulnerable families through our relief programme. We understand the need to take a holistic approach to their situation, so we are willing to work closely with them for a maximum period of two years. We will explore various methods for families to enhance their capacity and empower themselves. We want to help you improve your lives.”
Meanwhile, Human Resources Generalist at Marriott Hotel, Crystel Hampstead, thanked the FTTP for allowing her company to take part in such a “prestigious” event. “We at Marriott think this is a wonderful initiative, and it is something that we will continue to support in the future. To the programme beneficiaries, I encourage you to participate in this event as it will empower you and improve your socio-economic condition.”
One of the programme beneficiaries, Victoria Lennox, expressed gratitude to FFTP and Marriott Hotel for their contribution. She noted that although the food items are helpful, she is hopeful that the “Vulnerable Families Support Programme” will help her find a job which in turn will stabilise her household.
According to the release, each family received hampers containing essential food and personal care items such as flushable wipes, Johnson’s Head-to-Toe Baby Shampoo, baby wipes, kidney beans, black beans, mackerel, flour, rice, manna pack rice, tote bags, an assortment of canned foods, chowmein, packet seasoning, Chinese sauce, toothbrushes, Colgate toothpaste, margarine, and powdered milk.
FTTP explained its belief that collaboration is the cornerstone of progress and is “crucial” in addressing the needs of vulnerable, food-insecure families. And by pooling resources, knowledge, and effort, the impact of its initiatives can be magnified. And as a result, sustainable strategies can be developed that not only offer immediate relief but also empower these families to break the cycle of food insecurity.
The release pointed out that the organisation believes in breaking down silos and fostering partnerships across sectors, including governments, NGOs, businesses, and local communities. Further, it holds the view that by leveraging each other’s strengths, a comprehensive support system can be established that addresses the underlying causes of food insecurity and fosters long-term resilience. “The impact of collaboration extends beyond mere statistics; it reaches into the lives of individuals and families. Therefore, it is important to dedicate ourselves to working together, sharing ideas and resources, to build a world where no one faces the harsh reality of food insecurity alone,” the release added.
