The National Food Distribution Task Force’s work is set to soon come to an end and Mr Wilchcombe said his ministry is working to move with “haste” to introduce a new food programme “as soon as possible”.

“So as far as the food programme is concerned, it comes to an end and then we have to absorb the individuals. I just don’t understand why we’re spending 800 plus thousand dollars a week. I have a difficulty with that and they’re buying through a second hand while it makes more sense to have warehouses of food and cause for the distribution and we can buy them directly from the manufacturers or the producers of the factories.

“Why are we spending an incredible amount of money going through second and third parties when it’s causing the state so much and still not getting as many people the food as I’d like them to have?

“Seventeen thousand we’re told were fed, my thinking is you have much more than that who are suffering and so we have to find a better way to do it.”

Susan Larson, chair of the task force, previously revealed that the Department of Social Service will be taking over the programme on October 4 but the minister said he was not certain about that date.

“I know whatever is continuing today will continue because I think some food stamps have been issued already and people are going to be able to use those vouchers and go to the food stores and get (food) but in the meantime we are going to be introducing a new programme, so we are going to work assiduously to cause that to happen as quickly as possible.”

Asked when the new programme will be rolled out, he said “hopefully we’ll have something done within two weeks.”

Mr Wilchcombe also said he is committed to bringing positive change to the country’s needy as soon as possible. He said his ministry wants to help homeless people find short-term housing as well assist them in gaining employment so they can transition to independence.

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