Hunger continues to be one of the widespread issues in India that affect millions of people. While the government has put various programmes in place to address the challenges pertaining to hunger, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are doing their bit to help people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Serving food to those in need has proven to be one of the most effective services of the NGOs. While some of these organisations gather leftover food from events, others gather contributions from private citizens and businesses and prepare nourishing meals to be given to those from backgrounds with limited opportunities.
Below is a list of a few Indian NGOs that are supporting India’s fight against hunger.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a Bengaluru-based NGO that works to end classroom hunger by executing the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) in government and government-aided schools. As part of the scheme, the NGO fights malnutrition and encourages children from low socio-economic backgrounds to pursue their education and endure their dreams. The NGO currently serves over 2 million children from 22,367 schools across 15 states and 2 union territories and more than 92,000 children at 3,548 Anganwadis across 4 states in India. Akshaya Patra operates on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with the Government of India, various state governments and supporters.
Rise Against Hunger India
Rise Against Hunger India is an international hunger relief organisation that envisions a world without hunger. Based in Bengaluru, the organisation's mission is to nourish lives, empower communities, respond to emergencies and build a strong movement towards ending hunger.
The Robin Hood Army
The Robin Hood Army is a non-profit volunteer group that seeks to collect extra food from restaurants and neighbourhoods for the benefit of the less fortunate. According to the organisation: "Our Robins are primarily students and young professionals who work in their spare time. Homeless families, orphans, patients from public hospitals and senior living facilities are among the least fortunate segments of society we support.”
Feeding India
A non-profit organisation called Feeding India is working to end hunger and reduce malnutrition in India. In order to fulfil this objective, they provide raw grains and freshly prepared food to impoverished populations in addition to funding extensive structural reforms. By giving dependents regular meals, Feeding India collaborates with local non-profit partners tackling issues related to hunger and education. Feeding India is providing daily meals to schools serving low-income families as part of the Poshan to Pathshala campaign. The objective is to guarantee that all young infants receive proper nourishment for their overall development.
Khushiyaan Foundation
Khushiyaan is dedicated to bringing happiness to people from marginalised sections of society. The Foundation was established by Mr Chinu Kwatra and a group of youngsters. It works to serve nutritious food, boost women's empowerment and hygiene, conducts cleanliness drives and give the gift of education through its initiatives. The Khushiyaan Foundation is an implementing organisation that develops and executes a variety of development projects.
Giving to NGOs helps to ensure that all people, regardless of caste, class, ethnicity, colour, religion and gender, have an equal chance to live and prosper in society. Donate to help the hungry!