Feeding of the 5,000 touches more lives today
Published:Thursday | April 9, 2015 | 12:00 AM
As the Feeding of the 5,000 Outreach Foundation continues to celebrate its third anniversary, the group is gearing up for its latest food fest today.
Motivated by the biblical miracle where Jesus used five loaves and two fish to feed 5,000 people, Jordan Bennett, in 2012, embarked on a mission to feed less-fortunate Jamaicans by forming the Feeding of the 5,000 Outreach Foundation.
Having already fed 5,000 people, Bennett last week declared that the aim is now to feed another 5,000, as giving back to the needy is very important.
"To be honest, this has grown in every aspect since inception - more than my own expectations - much of which is due to the exposure that we have been getting from the different media outlets such as yours. We finally have our website up as well (feedingofthe5000.org), which will help us to go even further," said Bennett.
"Today is going to be a small one compared to the one last December, as we will only be feeding about 500 persons, but it is still significant," added Bennett.
"On May 15, we are also going to have a treat at the Randolph Lopez School of Hope in Kingston. The reason why we chose to do this is to raise awareness on the different disabilities, as these people are shunned not only by people in society, but their own families because they don't fully understand how to deal with it (disabilities).
"This project is to help educate the parents, along with other members of the public, and to have a fun day for the children," declared Bennett.
REACHING YOUTH
He said the foundation intends on starting a Feeding Club in schools, as more young people need to understand the importance of giving back to society from an early age.
"By default, this foundation is a youth-based organisation. Ninety-eight per cent of our volunteers are persons in high schools or universities. Just by that alone, we have a good core and a lot of excited persons ready to get involved, but I still feel more people need to understand the spirit of giving.
"What better way to get their attention than starting in the schools? It would be a win-win situation, believe me; it is addictive. I think it is because, as young people, we have a lot more energy and are more vibrant. As young people, we are doing so many good things, but there is always room to do better," said Bennett.
Today's feeding will take place at 2B Grafton Road in the Corporate Area.