February saw the arrival of our first ‘bulk food shop’ of the year. We may call it that but the name belies what exactly arrives on the lorry. As well as non-perishable foodstuffs – rice, beans, wheat flour, maize meal, cassava, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, yeast and baking powder – there are cleaning and personal care items.

Despite the cost of the lorry, buying in the city is more economical though not cheap. In British pounds the cost was about £1575. There are three ‘bulk food shops’ a year and other items are often included, like replacement mattresses, chairs, sheets and blankets.

The arrival of the lorry causes much excitement. Not only the fun of unloading but also the reassurance that there is food in the store – so important to children from impoverished backgrounds.