ARC distributes food packages to over 300 vulnerable children amid coronavirus outbreak

Local non-profit Advocating the Rights of Children (ARC) has provided food packages to 382 vulnerable children living in 10 islands which have been quarantined due to the spread of the new coronavirus.

The food packages were provided under the non-profit’s initiative ARC Aid, which aims to assist vulnerable children affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

ARC has noted that families which care for children with disabilities and families supported by single parents have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, many of which have lost their source of income and face economic hardships.

ARC said that it firmly believed children should not be denied their right to healthy food even amid a pandemic, and that its aid initiative was aimed at offering a measure of relief to affected families by providing basic food supplies.

ARC has so far provided food packages to:

• 144 children and their families in the Greater Male’ Region
• 54 children and their families in Kulhudhuffushi City
• 14 children and their families in Sh. Narudhoo
• Two children and their families in H. A. Thakandhoo
• Nine children and their families in H. A. Uligan
• 14 children and their families in Sh. Maaungoodhoo
• 31 children and their families in N. Manadhoo
• 33 children and their families in K. Thulusdhoo
• 30 children and their families in K. Hinmafushi
• 55 children and their families in Sh. Milandhoo

The basic food supplies provided by ARC under its aid initiative includes rice, flour, lentils, milk, canned tuna, eggs and canned vegetables.

According to ARC, it is providing aid to all families with children noted by government authorities, local councils, and non-government organizations to be in need of food supplies.

ARC is running its aid initiative in partnership with UNICEF Maldives, Dhiraagu and Bank of Maldives.

It has thanked both its partners and individual donors for the support towards the initiative.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights of children.