LUSAKA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- As early as 7:00 a.m. local time, Katherine Ngulube, a 23-year-old mother of two from Lusaka, Zambia's capital, was already preparing to collect a free food hamper for her family.
"I want to ensure that I am among the first to receive a hamper," said Ngulube, placing her seven-month-old baby on her lap.
A resident of Chaisa Compound, one of Lusaka's low-income settlements, Ngulube's family was among more than 100 vulnerable households that received food hampers on Friday through an initiative supported by the Chinese Ladies Association in Zambia (CLAZ).
"This donation has come at the right time, as most vulnerable households like mine are struggling to provide for our younger children due to a lack of resources," she said after receiving a food hamper. "I hope for more support in the area of livelihood strengthening for women like me to improve our situation."
Each food hamper included a bottle of cooking oil, packets of sugar, packs of soy pieces, and a variety of cookies, offering a balanced and nutritious supplement for children and their families.
For many vulnerable and low-income households in Zambia, access to adequate food remains a daily challenge, often leading to malnutrition, particularly among young children.
Faustina Munshya, a 36-year-old mother of three children, also shared her joy and expressed gratitude for the timely donation. "It will greatly help us in supplementing my family's food needs," she said.
The donation, coordinated by the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Zambia Chapter, benefited over 200 children aged under five.
During the handover ceremony, WFWP Zambia Chapter President Annie Mwale thanked CLAZ for its support in promoting the welfare of vulnerable homes through food assistance.
"We are immensely grateful to the Chinese Ladies Association for their partnership with us in making a positive impact on the lives of the less privileged in our society. This donation will go a long way in ensuring that targeted children receive the much-needed food," Mwale said.
She added that WFWP Zambia's food supplement program, which has been running for over five years, targets households with malnourished children, who were prioritized as beneficiaries of the food hampers.
CLAZ President Liu Guifen acknowledged WFWP Zambia's work in supporting vulnerable women and addressing the needs of malnourished children.
"We are glad to take part in this initiative and recognize the practical impact WFWP Zambia has made in assisting women and children in need," Liu said. ■