The clouds may have gathered, but so did the warmth of community spirit as ABALOBI hosted a gathering with 12 of our most dedicated supporters, undeterred by the rain. With umbrellas in hand and a little help with transport, these committed individuals braved the weather to discuss the future of our community-supported food security initiative.
Nico, our passionate program lead, kicked things off with an insightful overview of our journey so far. He highlighted the importance of our work in bringing affordable, high-quality fish to the rural poor, while also addressing the challenges we face and our vision for the road ahead.
But the real magic happened when our supporters took the stage with their invaluable feedback:
Grateful Hearts: Our participants confessed that they’ve grown fond of the cleaned and scraped fish we offer at such affordable prices. They’ve come to appreciate just how much love goes into every fish they receive.
Feeling Valued: It was heartwarming to hear how much our supporters appreciate being kept in the loop. They’re thrilled that ABALOBI actively involves them in discussions about the program, making them feel like true partners in our mission.
The Sweet Spot: R35 per kilogram remains the golden number for them. It’s the perfect price point that ensures both food security and affordability.
Local Love: The group also expressed interest in having Harders, especially if they could come from the Olifants area. The community’s preference for local produce is clear! Yellowtail pieces got a thumbs-up as a fantastic addition to our food security offerings. Some members are still getting acquainted with Silvervis, but there’s definite curiosity and a desire to see more of this relative newcomer.
The Road Ahead: A Month of Trial and Triumph
To wrap things up, the group unanimously agreed to a one-month trial. We’ll be offering cleaned Cape Bream—unscraped but still at the unbeatable price of R35/kg. It’s a small change that we hope will make a big difference. After the trial, we’ll gather again to reassess and fine-tune our approach.
We’re excited to see where this journey takes us and are incredibly grateful for the continued support and collaboration of our community. Together, we’re trying to build a future where no one has to go hungry.