As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc around the world, economies have taken massive hits. Belize, which was dependent on tourism, has seen the effects of the pandemic as well. Its top tourism destination Ambergris Caye, has a population that saw the first effects of job losses. After the first positive COVID-19 case was registered on the island, an emergency lockdown caused many unemployed people to stay put, jobless and unfortunately, in need. Not one to shy away from helping each other, islanders and businesses (both on and off-island) came together to find a way to help the less fortunate – either via groceries or feeding programs. One such program that is feeding hundreds is manned by Maresha Reid. With the assistance of a host of donors and volunteers, they are delivering hot meals in different subdivisions three times per week.
Reid is a chef and proprietor of Pirate’s Treasure Restaurant and Pirate’s Not-So-Secret Beach Bar and she has been happily feeding those most in need in San Pedro Town for the past weeks. The beneficiaries of this program enjoy fresh, hot homemade meals, prepared with the help of volunteers. 
The prepared meals are then delivered to families, who have been carefully identified and are contacted via telephone when the hot meals will be distributed. Deliveries are done on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in vulnerable areas like San Mateo, San Pedrito and San Juan subdivisions. All beneficiaries have lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and have no way to prepare meals.
This program has been successful so far thanks to the donation of food supplies. Founder and Executive Director of Puerto Secreto Foundation, Michael Estephan has been a bridge between the Mennonite communities of Blue Creek and Shipyard in the Orange Walk District and the feeding program. These communities have constantly been donating meats, vegetables and other supplies, which feed hundreds on the island. The latest donation included a whole cow, along with sacks of rice, beans, flour and an assortment of vegetables.
Reid and her crew plan to continue feeding and helping those in dire conditions as much as they can. However, a good flow of donations must continue in order for the program to take care of those in their growing database. Every week more persons are screened and added to the program, thus, the support of donations is highly appreciated.
If you are a family, couple or single person that has absolutely no food or no means of cooking, you may WhatsApp Reid at 665-5794. Those interested in donating food supplies towards the program may send a WhatsApp message to that same number as well.
Reid also works closely with Hope Haven and she can be reached that way as well. She thanks everyone that has been supporting the program, including her staff and volunteers, the members of the Shipyard and Blue Creek communities, Puerto Secreto, Michael Estephan, Hope Haven, Justin Lambert, Tortilleria La Familia, Greg Cobb, Gus Tabony for providing a massive barbeque grill, and other members of the business community on the island.
