DYFI workers distribute lunch packets at Alappuzha medical college.Alappuzha: Feeding a hungry soul is the greatest virtue of them all. We feature the individuals and organizations in Alappuzha district busy distributing food to the destitute people in various hospitals, orphanages, old-age homes and other places.
At least five organizations work to ensure that no patient starves in the district general hospital. Another eight groups are active in charity in the Government Medical College Hospital. Around 10 groups distribute food in each of the government hospitals in Mavelikkara, Chengannur and Cherthala.
A midday meal for just Rs 20 would seem a joke to many. But it is going to be a reality at Pathirappally. People who cannot even pay this nominal price would be given the food for free. The ‘Hunger-free Mararikkulam’ project is funded by the government-run Kerala State Financial Enterprise under its social responsibility schemes. The eatery is under construction by the national highway.
The eatery would be open to anyone who passes through the highway. People could even buy food coupons to let more people eat free of cost. The concept is expected to benefit those who want to feed poor people on birthdays or death anniversaries in the family.
The kitchen supervised by ‘Snehajalakam’ could prepare food for around 1,000 people. Up to 60 people could eat at a time at the establishment. The vegetables will be sourced from the adjacent kitchen garden.
The food court being built as part of 'Hunger-free Mararikkulam' project.‘Snehajalakam’ could also use the kitchen to prepare the food they distribute across the district.
Social cause, social media
The Alappuzha town witnessed the birth of a unique collective two years ago. Titled ‘Athazhakkoottam,’ the initiative is aimed at distributing food to the vagabonds in the town. When the idea was mooted by A R Noushad on social media, a lot of prominent people in Alappuzha came forward to support it. Now the group has 20 active members.
People gather to collect food from 'Athazhakkoottam.'The collective started out by distributing 12 food packets. Now they distribute up to 65 food packets at various places including the General Hospital. They cut costs by cooking the food rather than buying it from restaurants.
The collective is also distributing groceries of Rs 2,000 to 32 poor families. The group also runs a home for old people who are left out.
United in charity
The DYFI has created a role model with its food distribution drive at the Vandanam Medical College. The youth association collects food packets from houses across the district to be distributed at the hospital. The initiative helps about 3,000 people daily. They have catered to up to 12,000 patients during the flu epidemic.
Patients and bystanders wait for the food trucks every day around 11 am. The distribution starts at 12:30 pm. The DYFI has 149 committees in the district. The committee takes turns to prepare and distribute the food every day. Each committee collects the food packs from about 100 houses under its influence. The houses are given prior notice about the day of the food distribution.
Each family donates food for two, neatly packed in plantain leaves. Volunteers go from house to house to collect the packets in small vehicles. These packs are brought to the DYFI committee office, where three or four bigger vehicles will be waiting to take them to the hospital.
The patient and the bystander are given two packs. The volunteers make it a point to spare terminally ill patients and pregnant women the trouble of standing in the queue. The volunteers collect the leaves and papers after the patients have eaten. They take the waste back to the office and burn it.
The project was started by the Ambalappuzha area committee six months ago. The initiative was taken up by the district committee. Manu C Pulikkal, Anas Ali, Rahul, Rajeeb Ali, Bijil Kumar, Shanavas and Sajeev coordinate the activities.
Dr Sabu SugathanFood as medicine
Patients who go to Dr Sabu Sugathan at Mannar go back contended. The physician makes it a point that his patients are well-fed. Dr Sugathan has launched a program titled ‘Thenthulli.’ He would give a token to any patient who he thinks is starved. The patient could go to select eateries in the vicinity and eat to his heart’s content.
Patients, however, are discouraged to desist from unhealthy fries. The restaurateurs could cash on the token from the doctor. The doctor receives no financial support to run the project.
Read: Alappuzha News | Kerala News
