FOOD SAMARITANS FOR #ZEROHUNGER

On World Food Day, today, meet some DelhiNCR groups that work to end food wastage

T he right to food is a basic human right, yet over a fifth (21%) of India’s children are acutely malnourished. On World Food Day, today, we speak to a few organisations that are forever coming up with ways to manage wasted food, and rechannel it towards the needy. “A lot of food is wasted during the festive season. Feeding India works to mobilise food from donors to recipients. All food can be donated, as food is edible for a couple of hours. One just has to call on our helpline number, 9871178810 (1.5 hours before the pick-up) and the volunteers will collect the food,” says Arindam Kalra, president, Feeding India, an NGO that donates food to the poor. “Nothing fills a stomach more than a roti (whole wheat bread),” says Sudhir Behrani, founder, Roti Bank, an organisation that has 63 branches across the country. “We accept rotis packed in aluminium foil, accompanied by raw vegetables. Leftover and old food items aren’t accepted. Those interested, can go to our Facebook page and connect with us for a distribution drive,” he adds.

The volunteer group, Robin Hood Army, which is also encouraging people to donate sweets this Diwali, works to source surplus food from restaurants. Its members comprise professionals, students, and housewives, who get together on Sunday evenings and pool food collected from partner restaurants. You can volunteer, too. “We are big believers that it’s more fulfilling when the donors join us for our drives,” says Aarushi Batra, co-founder, Robin Hood Army.

All food can be donated by calling on our helpline numbers, and the volunteers will come and pick it up ARINDAM KALRA, FEEDING INDIA

We accept rotis packed in aluminium foil, accompanied by raw vegetables. Leftover and old food items aren’t accepted. Those interested, can go to our Facebook page and connect with us for a distribution drive SUDHIR BEHRANI, FOUNDER, ROTI BANK

A Feeding India volunteer carries a lunch box. The group has come up with 60 magic trucks to deliver food this Diwali

(Top) Volunteers of Robin Hood Army during a food distribution drive; (Above, Right) A Roti Bank volunteer hands rotis packed in aluminium foil to a child