“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Mother Teresa
Today is World Food Day!
When we talk about food, we end up thinking about the food that we love, the delicacies we cherish, the cuisines we find delectable to relish but how often do we think about the Food that helps to fight hunger to the less privileged?
We all are very well aware that access to adequate and nutritious food remains a challenge for many. But there are a few good souls who walked the extra mile to feed those in need.
Today, on World Food Day, Jaipur Beat decided to meet the men behind the ‘Feeding Hands’ – an initiative to feed the underprivileged in Jaipur.
These gentlemen are no celebrity or a public icon, but shining stars with a promise to provide sufficient food to the less privileged people so that none sleeps empty stomach.
We went to meet Mr Timmi Soni and Mr Yogesh Narula, the flag bearer of the initiative but they are not alone. 14 more compassionate people are backing them up in this noble mission.
Here goes the conversation with Mr Timmi Soni and Mr Yogesh Narula of Jaipur-
JAIPUR BEAT – Tell us about the beginning of Feeding Hands
Feeding Hands- “It started with my father, Iqbal Soni, (Father of Timmi Soni ) on 12th January 2018, who used to occasionally donate food to widows.
On his birthday, we decided that we could do something similar to what Annapurna vans in Jaipur were doing. Hence, I decided to visit one of their vans at SMS Hospital. After I spoke to the boy who was selling meals there for Rs. 8, I realized that not many people can afford even those 8 rupees. It was then that I knew I had to adopt one of their vans and start donating food. I found it difficult to cook and arrange and then look for people to feed. The idea was germinated to adapt an Annapurna Van for 365 days.
About Annapurna Vans– An initiative by the Rajasthan Government, Annapurna Vans are the mobile kitchens that serve food at nominal prices in food trucks parked in different areas of the city . These Vans maintain the quality, quantity, and cleanliness while preparing the food.
Jaipur Beat– Who was your greatest support while establishing Feeding Hands?
Feeding Hands– Our greatest supports are the people around us, our contributors and sponsors. Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to continue for longer.
Jaipur Beat– How do you receive support in terms of people, finances, etc.?
Feeding Hands- “Initially it felt difficult, rather impossible. Contributing 6300 rupees out of your pocket daily isn’t easy. However, we valiantly decided to give it our best. We started speaking with friends and were gradually able to attract people into giving us funds. Sometimes, people drop out, but we always find someone new who is willing to donate”. We are receiving donations as high as 3 Lacs to as low as Rs 10 as well. These people gave us confidence. There are people from Jodhpur, Bhopal and other parts of the country who are contributing to the cause.
Jaipur Beat- Tell us about the challenges that you’ve faced while establishing Feeding Hands?
Feeding Hands- The biggest challenge was to create a situation where people cultivated good habits like washing their hands before eating, not wasting food and more importantly not smoking around it. If we find someone wasting the food, we charge the full amount from that person. Secondly, sometimes sponsors can be a bit unsure about whether or not the money is going into the right hands. Every day at Gate no. 5 SMS hospital 7 am morning till 8 pm, 300 breakfast and 350 lunch and dinner meals are distributed. The initiative is so transparent that anyone can go and check how the funds are being utilized. Thirdly, finding the time to juggle between our own separate jobs and Feeding Hands was tough initially.
Jaipur Beat- 365 days without a miss? How did you make this happen?
Feeding Hands– On special occasions like Holi & Diwali when the Van is not available, we still make it by alternative sources. We get the food from Dhabas or restaurants and sometimes even prepare at our homes. The contributions come from various sources, from family, from friends and acquaintances so that no one sleeps hungry. We ask donors to contribute sweets on the occasion of Diwali as well.
Jaipur Beat- What are your plans for Feeding Hands’ future growth or change?
Feeding Hands- We want to have our own Vans. Apart from that, we want to create awareness among households. If they contribute the leftover chappatis to our cause of wasting zero food, there would be a day when no one in Jaipur will sleep empty stomach.” Right now we are focused on that no van should be closed.
Jaipur Beat urges you to mark this Food day differently and come forward to support the noble cause of feeding the hungry by contributing to the service of the underprivileged.
All you have to do is –
Join “Feeding Hands” and contribute for feeding the less privileged people, daily feeding 900 persons FREE at SMS Hospital Jaipur.
They serve 900 meals per day at a cost of 6300/-
To be part of the initiative, you can sponsor-
300 breakfast @ Rs 5/- each Rs 1500
350 lunch @Rs 8/- each Rs 2800/-
250 dinner @ Rs 8/- each Rs 2000/-
Also, one can celebrate Birthdays and Anniversaries or remember your loved ones by feeding the less privileged. If you want to donate, find the details for giving your contributions-
Let’s take a pledge that no one sleeps hungry!
For further details, please contact-
- Yogesh Narula 9829062103
- Pankaj Jain 9829066111
- Timmi Soni 9828015867
Follow their Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/feedinghand/
