Over the last few days, 26 tonnes of rice have been distributed to food banks and charitable organisations around the island to provide much-needed relief to families in extreme poverty.

The high-quality rice, sourced from fields in Thailand, is a donation from the local chapter of the Constantinian Order of St George and the Cross of Constantinople (Byzantium).

It was chosen because it is long-lasting – the donated bags will be good for three years – and can be kept in all conditions.

The stories of abject poverty are heartbreaking

“It’s shocking to look around you and see so much wealth and know we still have people who don’t have enough food to eat,” Simon Debono, Bailiff of the Order, told the Times of Malta.

“The stories of abject poverty that some of the people who came along to collect the food told us are heartbreaking, and unbelievable in this day and age.”

Mr Debono said that while the group’s charitable initiatives had previously been aimed at specific social issues, they felt the need this time round to tackle more basic concerns. Eliminating hunger in Malta, he said, should be an absolute priority for the authorities and everyone in the country.

“The rapid increase in the standard of living has led to rapid gentrification and the appearance of wealth,” he said. “But we’ve reached a situation where people who have a lot are demanding a larger slice of the cake, while those without a voice are being ignored.”

The rice was donated by Chevalier Hadrien Majoie and his wife, Dame Marina Majoie.

It found support in its endeavour from President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who offered storage facilities and assistance coordinating delivery to different organisations.