The repeated curfews and lockdowns in this pandemic have worsened the financial situation for daily wage workers, the homeless, and other marginalised communities. Hunger is rampant and claiming more lives each day, and yet, that statistic is nowhere to be seen, disappearing amidst the Covid numbers. That being said, all hope is not lost. Countless volunteers and organisations are working tirelessly to provide ration and meals to the needy each day. Braving the risk to their own lives, they’re stepping out to distribute food packets, basic groceries, and other resources.
We understand if you’re apprehensive about stepping out to help right now. But you can still contribute from home. Here’s a verified list of 8 food relief organisations and charities that you can donate to.
1. Mazdoor Kitchen
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Based out of Delhi, Mazdoor Kitchen is a citizen-run voluntary initiative, working to provide cooked meals to daily wage workers in North Delhi. They commenced their food relief operations during the lockdown last year.
Donate here.
2. Feeding From Far
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Feeding From Far is a Mumbai-based initiative that provides meals and ration kits to the residents of the Govandi slum area. Founded by restauranteur Paritosh Pant in 2020, this volunteer-based community kitchen’s efforts have been recognised by numerous media outlets.
Donate here.
3. The Akshaya Patra Foundation
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Founded in 2000, Akshaya Patra is more than just a Covid-related food relief organisation. This NGO is the largest mid-day meal programme enabler in India. However, since the start of the pandemic, they have also begun a Covid-19 specific relief programme to tackle hunger across the country. Currently, they are operational across 19 states and are providing meals and grocery kits to those in need.
Donate here.
4. MCKS Food For The Hungry Foundation Delhi
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This is a Delhi-based NGO that came into existence in 2005 with the mission of a future where no one sleeps hungry. Since the lockdown, they have significantly increased the capacity in their kitchens and have been serving cooked meals at their feeding points across Delhi. They have also been distributing dry ration to localities that can’t access their feeding points. In recent times, the MCKS Foundation has started distributing N95 masks as well.
Donate here.
5. Mumbai Roti Bank Foundation
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The Roti Bank Foundation has been working towards ending hunger since December 2017. They describe themselves as a non-profit food rescue organisation that aims to eliminate hunger, malnutrition, and food wastage. In addition to monetary donations, they also pick up excess food from weddings, events, hotels, cafeterias, and housing facilities, and redistribute it to needy beneficiaries. Since the beginning of the pandemic, they have served over 50 lakh meals and continue to do so every day.
Donate here.
6. Enrich Lives Foundation
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This Mumbai-based food relief organisation came into existence during the lockdown last year. Since then, they have distributed over 10 lakh meals and ration kits, and over ₹5 crore worth of relief materials. Moreover, they are conducting education programmes for underprivileged children to reduce the number of dropouts in the future.
Donate here.
7. Khaana Chahiye
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Khaana Chahiye is another pandemic-born citizen initiative to fight hunger across the city of Mumbai. Not only do they cater to the less fortunate slum dwellers and destitute homeless population, they also look after orphanages, sex workers, trans persons, and other vulnerable communities. They recently partnered with Zomato Feeding India to expand their distribution network even further. Their efforts have been recognised by numerous national dailies as well as by the Swachh Bharat Mission and PMO.
Donate here.
8. Roti Ghar- Khushiyaan Foundation
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Roti Ghar is an initiative by Khushiyaan Foundation that was established in 2017 with the dream of eradicating malnutrition in children. Since the first lockdown, Roti Ghar has emerged as a prominent food relief organisation. They have operations across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Odisha, Hyderabad, and Delhi
Donate here.
Social distancing is a privilege that is unknown to most. While a lot of us are cooped up inside to protect ourselves from this dreadful virus, most of our Indian comrades struggle to know where their next meal will come from. In times like these, such food relief organisations are their only hope, most of which rely on crowdfunded resources. Remember that every penny counts and that you don’t necessarily have to make massive donations. Do whatever you can in your capacity to feed and help the helpless.
Related: Be The Change You Want To See: Volunteer At These 8 NGOs In Delhi And Do Your Bit For Humanity
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