A novel way to feed the needy

Chennai, July 2: A fistful of rice is feeding many a hungry stomach thanks to the initiative taken by a group of Rajasthanis who have made this metropolis their home.

'Muthi Bhar Anaaj' (handful of grain) scheme, under which individuals and families set apart a handful of foodgrains from each meal, is a novel concept being successfully implemented by the Rajasthan Youth Association (RYA) Metro here for more than a decade.

''The Chennai Food Bank came into being in 1993 after one of our members, on a visit to Australia, learnt about such a practice there. On his return, he put the principle into practice, feeding thousands of poor and the needy,'' Ms Nayan Jhabak, Distribution Chairman of Chennai Food Bank, told UNI.

About 1,800 donors set apart a handful of rice from each meal in special containers provided by the Food Bank. The rice will be collected by volunteers at the end of the month.

The Food Bank also offered another scheme under which donors could make their contributions in bulk, Ms Jhabak said.

Apart from raw and boiled rice, the Food Bank also collects sugar, dal and wheat, which are later segregated, cleaned and neatly packed. On every Friday, the foodgrains are distributed to nearly 60 charitable institutions, including orphanages and homes for the disabled, in and around Chennai city.

Ms Jhabak said about 8,000 kg of foodgrains were being mobilised each month under the 'Muthi Bhar Anaaj' scheme.

Celebrating its 13th project day, the Food Bank is committed to provide 13 lakh meals during 2006-2007.

Claiming the Chennai Food Bank to be the first of its kind in the country, the ISO certified RYA Metro is prepared to assist those interested in setting up such food banks in other parts of India.

UNI