7.8 billion people are living on Earth, out of which there are over 690 million people who are affected by hunger. The ongoing crisis is estimated to push a further of 130 million people in this bracket by the end of 2020. The numbers are huge and this is why there is a need to get together to help people. The theme for this World Food Day is very apt, ‘Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together. – Our Actions are Our Future.’

People all over the globe are facing a food crisis and there is an urgency to act for the betterment of people facing hardships of food. 16th October every year is celebrated as World Food Day. It is in our hands to make a difference in the lives of the needy people and make Zero Hunger possible.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an NGO that works primarily towards providing mid-day meals to children studying in Government and Government-aided schools of India. In this unprecedented COVID crisis, the Foundation is serving meals to the needy. As on 6th October 2020, a total of 9-crore meals was served to low-income and marginalised sections of society.

Ways to make a difference on #WorldFoodDay2020 with Akshaya Patra:

• Serve cooked meals to individuals
In the ongoing crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, Akshaya Patra is serving hot and freshly-cooked meals to needy people hailing from challenging socio-economic backgrounds. So far, 5,19,56,876 cooked meals have been served.

• Support needy families with grocery kits
To help marginalised families, Akshaya Patra is distributing grocery kits that contain dry ration to help them sustain in this crisis hour. Each kit is filled with food items like rice, pulses, spices, oil and vegetables. As on 6th October 2020, 8,53,534 grocery kits have been served.

• Spread joy with happiness kits
To continue its service towards children, happiness kits are distributed to mid-day meal beneficiaries. Each happiness kit contains nutrition and immunity-rich food, hygiene items and educational supplies. So far, a total of 1,17,959 happiness kits have been distributed.

• Feed children and lactating mothers with Anganwadi kits
As a part of the Anganwadi Kits Programme, feed a nursing mother and her child with 2 kits that take care of their meals. Glucose biscuits, Horlicks and milk powder are provided along with spices and pulses.

Make this World Food Day meaningful by feeding the needy people. Amid this COVID-19 crisis, every donation provides the most basic necessity – food. Show your generosity by making online donations towards Akshaya Patra and helping low-income sections of the society survive.

Author: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor

Millennials and Gen Z are driving societal changes whether it is creating awareness about the environment, philanthropy, or just healthy eating. But hold it. Are these young adults familiar about hunger as the latest raging and real issue at hand? Many youngsters I personally interact with, are blissfully unaware of the ‘hunger epidemic’ and the ‘hidden hunger syndrome’. Without spouting too much of statistics, let me give you the bigger picture. From a Global Hunger Index (2019) standpoint, India has been slipping up in ranking year- on- year to reach a low of being ranked 102 from among 117 countries in 2019. This literally means that more Indians go to sleep hungry, adding to the alarming situation arising due to the pandemic.

Having been associated with Akshaya Patra for many years, I must admit, that I am no stranger to the concept of ‘hidden hunger’. I have first-hand knowledge about hunger amongst India’s large populace. With COVID-19 taking over all our lives and especially underprivileged people, the dual challenges of hunger and malnutrition have really opened up another Pandora’s box. With schools shut down, millions of children who depended on mid-day meals as the only source of a nutritious meal for the day, have been facing starvation. So, what does it mean for us as a country? Are we to continue ignoring our poor citizens of a healthy childhood and later adulthood?

My own experience with caring for others has been soul satisfying. My endeavours at connecting with the disadvantaged have taught me many life lessons.

Nutritious food is a security blanket for all children who make up this country’s future generation. Allow me to cut the chase and come to the point. In India, September is being observed as a National Month of Nutrition. (Rashtriya Poshan Maah)*. In view of this, Akshaya Patra Foundation has launched the ‘Happiness Bags Programme’*. This is an initiative for the Foundation’s mid-day meal beneficiary students, who will receive a Happiness Bag with dry groceries and education supplies to help meet their nutritional needs and cover the educational gap that these students are currently facing. The Happiness Bag humbly priced at ₹550 provides nutrition, immunity, health, hygiene as well as educational materials to disadvantaged families. The nutritional value of the food contents in this bag comprise of protein, iron, iodine, and glucose-rich foods and the bag also includes an activity book to engage the student.

Being observed on September 5th, International Day of Charity is around the corner, and the day is of special relevance this year. Having seen so much of disruption all around, perhaps every individual can take a small step, more so the young folks. So, all young Indians reading this blog, make a difference and contribute towards ‘Nutrition on Someone’s Plate’ by sponsoring one ‘Happiness Bag’ this month and make someone very happy 😊.

Reference:
*https://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/september-month-celebrated-rashtriya-poshan-maah-09201983194.html