As the government prepares to discontinue food assistance, the National Food Distribution Task Force on Grand Bahama has been distributing expired food vouchers to families in need.
On Thursday, January 14, 2021, a mother received a $50 voucher that expired on December 31, 2020.
The task force urged the woman to hurry and use the voucher by Friday. However, due to her financial situation, she has no vehicle and was unable to catch a ride to the grocery store within the 24-hour period.
The struggling woman was able to secure transportation to the store on Monday but was turned away empty-handed.
The store told her the voucher had expired and could not be accepted.
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns and restrictions have left 40,000 Bahamians unemployed.
It had forced many families that could normally fend for themselves to rely on the generosity of others. It has been particularly rough for Grand Bahama residents who were still recovering from Hurricane Dorian when COVID-19 struck.
Therefore, residents are angry that the task force appointed to assist vulnerable families would hand out expired vouchers, causing great embarrassment.