Malawians Rejoice: VP Usi’s Food Distribution Initiative Eases Hunger Pangs

Vice President Michael Usi’s food distribution efforts have brought hope to many Malawian families grappling with severe hunger, offering relief at a time when survival seemed uncertain. For weeks, Dr. Usi has been traversing the Southern Region, reaching out to individuals and families hit hardest by climate-related shocks that devastated last season’s crops.

Among the beneficiaries is the family of Mixon Chiwaya and Ester Paulo from Kasalika Village, under Traditional Authority Ndalama in Thyolo. Mixon, 45, and Ester, 30, have five children. Their eldest, 18, is in Form 1, while the youngest, aged five, is in Standard 1. The family has been struggling to make ends meet, often resorting to leaving their home to do ganyu (piecework) in Mozambique during lean periods, leaving their fields and children behind.

“Life has been very difficult these past two years, raising six children,” Ester shared. “Most times, we went to bed hungry because we had no food. Ganyu was our only means of survival. The maize we received from the Vice President will ease the pressure on us and ensure our family can eat.”

In Blantyre, another beneficiary, Mercy Hayela, expressed her gratitude for the food and money distributed by Dr. Usi. Mercy, a 40-year-old single mother of six, including twins and two orphans, has faced similar struggles.

“Our life would have been unbearable without this food,” Mercy said. “We have been surviving by doing ganyu in other people’s fields, but this maize and money will save my family from hunger, even death. We couldn’t afford to buy maize on our own.”

At Gunda Primary School in Thyolo, Dr. Usi presided over the distribution of maize flour to 700 people. Speaking at the event, he urged political and traditional leaders not to politicize the government’s food distribution efforts, emphasizing that such actions would only hinder assistance to those in need.

“Hunger is a serious danger to our communities,” Dr. Usi said. “Politicizing food distribution will leave many suffering unnecessarily. We must come together—politicians, clergy, and faith groups—to help Malawians overcome hunger.”

He also expressed outrage at reports of officials stealing relief items meant for the poor, vowing that the government would implement strict measures to curb the malpractice.

The food distribution exercise in Thyolo also included contributions from Member of Parliament for Thyolo East, Masauko White, and Senior Chief Ndalama, who praised the initiative. Dr. Usi distributed maize flour, groundnuts, mosquito repellent, and clothing to the community.

For many, the Vice President’s efforts are more than just a temporary reprieve; they are a lifeline for families who have endured unimaginable hardships. His call for collective action underscores the urgency of the hunger crisis and the need for unity in addressing Malawi’s pressing challenges.

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