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The recent global scenario has really pushed humanity, in a good way, to stand together in this war against the Coronavirus pandemic. We’ve lost count of the number of NGO’s, institutions and industries that have come forward to give their all to mankind during these unprecedented times. One such organisation that has been making waves since its formation in March is the Khaana Chahiye initiative by Project Mumbai and Bharat Utthan Sangh. By Amitha Ameen
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Ever since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, humanity has been through a turbulent ride. With more than half of the word under quarantine and almost all of daily life coming to a standstill, the losses continue to be tremendous. But perhaps, the most difficult aspect of all this is the hunger issue.
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COVID-19 brought out the worst food crisis one could have seen in decades for scores of migrant workers, the homeless, and the underprivileged. Khaana Chahiye (need food), has been bridging this gap by providing more than 1,000 meals per day to those in need.
“We’ve been providing food and ration to people who need it the most right now, thanks to the help of our volunteers and donors. We’ve even been able to organise buses to send migrant workers home through the Ghar Bhejo campaign,” said Ruben Mascarenhas, one of the co-founders of Khaana Chahiye.
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This initiative has been helping thousands across Mumbai ever since the lockdown was announced in March. And, so far the team has managed to distribute an impressive 22 lakh meals to the needy. “We hope to continue this initiative in the post-Corona world as well,” says co-founder Pathik Muni.
Thanks to the help of volunteers, the power of social media, donors, and collaborating with unused restaurant kitchens in the city, including — Madras Diaries Restaurant, Cafe Royal India and The Bohri Kitchen — Khaana Chahiye has been able to amp up their meal packets to a good 70,000 meals per day, along with providing ration to those who can’t cook their own meals, ensuring that most of Mumbai don’t starve.
In addition to providing these meals to those in the city, Khaana Chahiye is also making sure to distribute food packets to migrant workers travelling back home in the special Shramik Trains. Food, biscuits, and water are daily served onboard the seven-10 trains that have been allocated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to the group.
“We have been following a proper business model and hiring volunteers based on their skills, similar to setting up a start-up company, which has ensured that our campaign reached the success that it has. At the end of the day it is for the citizens and by the citizens,” adds Muni.
The initiative has even caught the attention of celebrities, with Abhishek Bachchan and Sonu Sood sharing the message across their social media handles. If you too, want to partner with, donate, or help spread the message of this wonderful initiative, head here.
Related: This New Initiative By Hunger Inc Is Just What Mumbai Needs RN!
