Annamrita Foundation offers over 1.5 crore meals to underprivileged impacted by COVID-19
Mumbai: The COVID-19 pandemic is spreading rapidly through the length and breadth of the country. As per the official data, India has recorded over 1.25 lakh coronavirus positive cases and over 3500 deaths. Over 50,000 individuals have been recovered. Maharashtra has been the most affected state with over 40,000 positive cases and more than 1400 deaths.
Individuals who are underprivileged all around the world are struggling to make ends meet. The situation has been tough for migrant labourers and daily-wage earners during the lockdown as there has been no source of income.
Mumbai based Annamrita Foundation is one of the largest organisation offering this services in this critical situation. The Foundation has launched a campaign #UnitedLikeKhichdi to fight the scourge of hunger among the most vulnerable sections of society. Reliance Foundation, Ajay Piramal led Piramal Foundation, Bajaj Group among others have been key enablers with the former having pledged uninterrupted supplies of groceries and food grains during the lockdown period. Even Bollywood and television celebrities like Hema Malini, Bhagyashree, Arjun Bijlani, Vivek Dahiya, among others have joined hand for a noble cause.
During the lockdown period since March 25, 2020 over 1.5 crore meals have been distributed through 21 kitchens across seven states – Maharashtra, New Delhi NCR, Haryana, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh in India at approx. 3 lakh meals per day.
Over 20 lakh meal packs have been distributed in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Jamshedpur, Delhi and Gurugram till date.
Dr. Radha Krishna Das, Annamrita Foundation said, “Annamrita Foudnation runs 21 kitchens across seven states which follows strict guidelines of hygiene and safety while preparing meals. Leveraging its unique ISO certified mass cooking technology, the power of a robust supply chain and industrial size kitchens, large quantities of meals are efficiently distributed to identified partner organizations/NGOs that have taken on the responsibility to ensure door-to-door delivery to the needy especially in slums. So far, we have overall used 451 tons of rice, 255 tons of pulses, 78 tons of cooking oil, 350 tons of vegetables, 23 tons of spices and 40 tons of salt to prepare these meals. We are committed to continue to offer the same till the situation normalises.”
Apart from big organizations, a large number of individuals and corporate employees have come forward to pledge and donate amounts staring from as little as INR 100 to crores as per their capacity. The love and support from individuals has encouraged Annamrita Foundation to carry forward the noble task of feeding thousands of underprivileged people across the country.
Key donors for this initiative includes: Reliance Foundation, Ajay Piramal led Piramal Foundation, Rotary Club of Mumbai Queens Necklace, TajSats, Cipla, Bharat Petroleum, Bajaj, Thermax, Mahanagar Gas, JSW, TVS, Mafatlal, IIFL Finance, Pidilite, and other organizations and entrepreneurs.