Bahamas’ Food Security Task Force
The Government of Commonwealth of The Bahamas will appoint a food security task force to ensure enough food supply amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The Taskforce will ensure that every Bahamian and resident who needs food is provided with adequate food. This is a major and fundamental priority,” said Prime Minister Hubert Minnis
He is yet to disclose who will spearhead the task force.
Minnis also said that the task force is responsible in making recommendations in the production and distribution of food across the island.
“The Ministry of Health knew that due to the COVID-19 pandemic there would be a need for the government to facilitate access to food and food supplies to our population already at risk for food insecurity and hunger.”
Prime Minister Minnis disclosed that the Bahamas Feeding Network and Hands for Hunger have distributed food vouchers and donations. He then call for potential donors.
“We encourage others to donate food. The Food Security Taskforce will indicate how such donations can be made.”
The Prime Minister said he will be discussing further details in the weeks ahead. Likewise, he said that the government will aggressively promote healthier eating, nutrition and physical activity.
To date, The Bahamas has forty-nine (49) confirmed cases – 35 active cases, 8 deaths and 6 recoveries.
Revised shopping schedule
Prime Minister Hubert Minnis also announced the temporary suspension of the grocery shopping schedule.
“The alphabetical shopping schedule will be suspended effective tomorrow, Tuesday, April 14th through Friday, April 17th. An alphabetical shopping schedule will come back into effect on Monday the 20th of April.”
Minnis thanked those who contributed their ideas and suggestions in finding the most efficient system for shopping, noting it is still a work in progress.
“We will make adjustments as events warrant. The shopping schedule is designed to limit the spread of the virus and to ensure that Bahamians and residents have the time to purchase food. We are trying to balance these goals as carefully as possible.”
In the interim, grocery stores will be open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
However, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, Monday to Friday, will be reserved for seniors and persons with disabilities.
The prime Minister said police personnel will be present in stores to strictly monitor social distancing measures.
Grocery stores will now be allowed to operate on Saturdays from 6:00 AM to 6:00PM to enable essential workers to buy their supplies.
Wherein, health professionals, police and defence force officers, employees of clearing banks and employees of wholesale distributors will be allowed to shop from 6:00 AM to 12:00 NN,
While, remaining essential workers will have access to the grocery from 12:00 NN to 6:00 PM.
In closing, Minnis reminded Bahamians to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth while away from their residence as stated under the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No.2) (Amendment) law.