JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance says centralising the Gauteng food bank would increase food insecurity.
The Gauteng government wants to centralise the food parcel distribution by 288 non-profit organisations.
Under its plan, five regional food banks will become one.
The DA however disagrees. It says while establishing a central food bank may seem cost-effective, the effects are dire.
"The department will likely face increased distribution costs, creating barriers to the delivery of food parcels and leaving many, including vulnerable children, at risk of hunger.
"Furthermore, local suppliers to food banks and NPOs would also be left out in the cold, leading to unintended job losses," the party says.
The DA is of the view that if NPOs continue as food drop-in centres and regional food banks this will assist in reducing transportation costs.
At the same time it would ensure that food services are delivered close to where they are needed.