A list of five essentials the R350 social relief grant can get you

In just two months, South Africans’ livelihoods have changed immensely and this is due to the current global pandemic which is wreaking havoc both economically and socially. During these unprecedented times, the South African government has put in measures to help curb the spread of the deadly virus and to assist the destitute, the unemployed and the most vulnerable groups with various social grants.

In April, president Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on the additional economic and social relief that form part of the government’s national response to the current global pandemic. The president introduced the Social Relief of Distress grant that would help the majority of unemployed South Africans to fight poverty and starvation.

What can the R350 grant get you?

Contrary to popular belief, R350 can buy a handful of essential food items which, if used sparingly, can last you at least two to three weeks. Below is a list of five essentials the R350 unemployment grant can get you.

An overview of basic necessities to consider in your grocery shopping list.

1. Maize meal

Maize meal is a stable food which is consumed and enjoyed by many South African households. It can be cooked as pap or soft porridge. A bag of 12,5 kilograms of Maize meal costs a minimum of R80 depending on the brand and the store you purchase from.

2. Sunflower oil

A grocery list is not complete without a bottle of sunflower cooking oil. And while there is a variety of cooking oils, and some of which are considered as healthy, sunflower oil is preferred by many people as it is economical and if used sparingly, can last for a month. A bottle of two litres of sunflower oil costs between R35 and R40.

3. Cake or wheat flour

Another essential item on many grocery lists is a bag of cake or wheat flour. Flour can be used to bake homemade breads, scones, cookies, vetkoeks, dumplings and more. The good thing about using flour to bake is, it’s economical, thus helping you save money you’d otherwise used to buy bread almost every day. A bag of 10 kilograms of cake or wheat flour costs around R100.

4. Tinned fish

Tinned fish is a healthy food which is consumed by many and which is filled with vitamins and minerals. This delicious seafood is also high in protein. A can of 410 grams of fish costs R20 at various food retailers across the country. You can buy at least three cans of fish which will cost approximately R60.

5. Sugar and teabags

Sugar and teabags are usually paired together as you can’t use one without the other. A pack of two kilograms of sugar can cost R20 while teabags can cost a minimum of R7 depending on how many teabags the pack contains. These two products can cost anything between R27 and R35 at most.

Remember to put your mask on and to practise social distancing at all times when doing your essential grocery shopping.

This content has been created as part of our freelancer relief programme. We are supporting journalists and freelance writers impacted by the economic slowdown caused by #lockdownlife.

If you are a freelancer looking to contribute to The South African, read more here.