Courtesy – Josh Talks
Knowingly or unknowingly we often waste food. We have parties, we organize weddings but amidst the chic affair these events are, we forget to save food and maybe give it those who are less fortunate.
In a country where many people go to sleep without having two square meals a day, one man cared. Ankit Kawatra’s going to a marriage changed his very perception towards food.
Combatting hunger in a first of its kind initiative is this network of Hunger Heroes in over 20 cities which Ankit created. It has fed over 2.5 lakh hungry people.
In a unique setup that is aimed at feeding the poor and down trodden with quality and wholesome food, Feeding India does what gives the well meaning pleasure – Service. They take leftover food from parties, events and donate it to the needy.
With the idea gaining popularity, Ankit formally launched the franchise in August 2014 which now has many takers.
Ankit got volunteers whom he named Hunger Heroes and the heroes were selected from different locations in the city.
Next step was a 24 x7 helpline that people could call whenever they wanted to donate excess food.
Feeding India’s Hunger Heroes
The organisation has partnered with more than 15 caterers and nearly 700 restaurants across the country.
Feeding India does not have any external financial support and currently runs on the personal money of the members.
Feeding India aims at reaching over 50 cities in India and get more corporate partnerships.
A volunteer usually works six months but can also get involved as a “Super Hero”, which demands more time and commitment .
Once food is cleared as fit, volunteers pack it in simple boxes and distribute it to NGOs, night shelters and other organisations that might require food.
The food is picked up in Magic Trucks. They run every day, all the year round, and serve nearly 2,000 meals daily to the needy.
Having partnered with various catering agencies, Ankit has not looked back.
Statistics show India has a staggering 194.6 million undernourished people, the second highest number of undernourished people in the world.
Nearly 40 per cent of food goes waste in India and food worth Rs580 billion is wasted every year.
While unemployment continues to bother many like hunger, it is perhaps go getters like Ankit who prove that sometimes taking the plunge despite uncertainty is the key.
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