Just a few minutes ago, we told you about the government's unemployment relief program, which is already delivering some ease to the thousands of Belizeans who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, there is the food assistance program that has been launched to look after Belizeans who were unemployed before then

Our colleagues from Plus TV got a few glimpses of how the food package program was being rolled out in Dangriga Town. With their help, Daniel Ortiz put together this report:

Needy residents of Dangriga Town gathered yesterday in lines in front of the Lucky Supermarket. They were there to pick up food packages which the Government is now distributing to Belizeans who can't qualify for unemployment relief.

The recipients of these food assistance packages are those who aren't beneficiaries of the pantry or boost programs.

Hon. Frank "Pawpa" Mena - Area Rep., Dangriga
"You have some people who aren't on the pantry program. So now, with the food assistance program, that's the link where you go. That link, I'm asking people, if you see your sister, or your cousin or your neighbour is struggling, you know their condition. All you need to do is to get their name and their number, and you find out that they aren't on Pantry, they're not on Boost. They don't get the Social Security money. They aren't public officers who are getting their pay check. It's not fair, mein. Some people have nothing. So, relax yourself [those] who have something, and let the people who have nothing get."

Well, the packages that these unemployed persons are getting include flour, beans, vegetables, eggs, laundry detergents, and other basic grocery items that any household is regularly in need of.

Hon. Frank "Pawpa" Mena
"They go for their groceries. And it's a big bag because they send me pictures of it. They are buffed [bags]."