Food bank launched in Charbagh to support the needy

LUCKNOW: To help underprivileged children and vulnerable families, NGO Ehsaas launched a new unit of its food bank at the GRP Police Lines, Charbagh, here on Friday. Ehsaas has been supporting over 300 vulnerable families in Lucknow and Barabanki over the last one year by providing them with food and health assistance, and ensuring that their children attend school or receive skill development training.

“Our aim is to end hunger and transform lives of low income families by taking care of their basic needs of food, education, health, shelter and livelihood. Due to the families’ conditions, their minor members have to work in difficult conditions, say at the railway station, for survival,” said Sachi Singh, founder of Ehsaas.

Under the ‘Surakshit Bachpan, Surakshit Bharat Abhiyan’ that envisages providing a safe and secure life to children, Ehsaas runs a railway childline 1098 (helpline for children found in distress at the railway station). The NGO, in collaboration with the department of women and child development, is working to make the city a safe zone for kids.

Applauding their efforts, chief guest, ADG GRP BK Maurya said, “Crime can be controlled by supporting families and taking preventive measures, as no one is a born criminal.”

Recalling the launch of the UP Food Bank on January 26, 2017, he added, “A small initiative towards the needy can become a turning point in someone’s life. A small step towards goodness has the power to change the world.”

At the food bank, food is donated by individuals, groups as well as companies. The bank works as a bridge between the community and the contributors, ensuring that the food reaches the rightful beneficiaries.

The food bank works with communities and NGOs to identify below poverty line and vulnerable families. World Vision and the Government Railway Police also contribute in efforts to identify such needy families.