HUNGER Action Month holds significant potential and impact in India, a nation where malnutrition and food insecurity continue to be critical issues. This month-long campaign, observed in September, serves as a clarion call to address these challenges and ignite collective efforts towards ending hunger. In India, where a substantial portion of the population still struggles to access adequate and nutritious food, Hunger Action Month can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the severity of the issue. It provides a platform for various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, businesses and individuals, to collaborate and drive initiatives that address the root causes of hunger.
Here are 5 NGOs working in the area of hunger and malnutrition:
Annamrita
Annamrita Foundation stands at the forefront of battling India’s staggering child malnutrition crisis, where more than 33 lakh children, with over 17 lakh severely malnourished, face grim prospects. Madhurya Shroff, a senior member of Annamrita, succinctly captures the NGO’s mission: ensuring no child in the nation goes hungry or bears the burdens of starvation. Operating as a source of hope for many, Annamrita supplies over 12 lakh nutrition-rich mid-day meals to students in government schools, predominantly hailing from profoundly disadvantaged backgrounds. Annamrita’s deep satisfaction lies in the transformative effect of its midday meal program: it shifts countless children from earning a meagre living to embracing education, thus reshaping their trajectory. No longer bound to begging, pickpocketing or rag picking, they now represent the future.
The impact reverberates through increased school attendance and enhanced academic and athletic performance, reinforcing the profound importance of proper nutrition. The inspiration behind Annamrita traces back to Srila Prabhupadaji, whose empathy was sparked by the sight of hungry children fighting for food, galvanising a duty to eradicate childhood hunger. Originating in a single school, Annamrita’s scope has expanded to reach 12 lakh children daily, predominantly from marginalised and underserved communities, where nutrition support is paramount. The NGO’s vital work hinges on the goodwill of individuals, bridging the gap to keep serving these children and nurturing their potential, thereby building a brighter future.To support Annamrita Foundation, donate here.
Sahyog Care For You
Sahyog Care For You is dedicated to the arduous task of rescuing and rehabilitating children ensnared in the horrors of child and bonded labour. With over two decades of tireless commitment, founder Shekhar Mahajan exposes the harsh reality hidden behind the common use of the term ‘chotu’ – an innocent name disguising the plight of young labourers robbed of their basic rights and identities. Fuelled by the desire to liberate children from abuse and exploitation, Sahyog Care For You has already transformed the lives of more than 2 lakh children, liberating them from the clutches of bonded labour. Their noble endeavour, however, faces a critical challenge: limited resources and funding. Shekhar’s resolute determination could potentially save countless children from hazardous conditions if met with adequate support.
Children trapped in labour are subjected to an unrelenting cycle of suffering, working long hours on empty stomachs, confined to cramped spaces and robbed of even the simplest joys of childhood. Sahyog Care For You emerges as a warrior against this entrenched practice, seeking to rewrite the stories of innocence stolen for profit. Empowering Shekhar and Sahyog Care For You through support is not just a contribution; it’s an investment in reclaiming the childhoods of those languishing in factories. With your help, Sahyog Care For You’s fight against child labour can blaze even brighter, casting out the darkness of exploitation and ushering in the light of opportunity and dignity for each and every child. To support Sahyog Care For You, donate here.
SHEOWS
SHEOWS (Saint Hardyal Educational and Orphans Welfare Society), has been a steadfast guardian for over 10,000 elderly individuals who have found themselves abandoned and destitute on the unforgiving streets. At Guru Vishram Vridh Ashram, residents receive far more than just a roof over their heads. They are nourished with nutritious meals three times a day, clothed with care, and given medical attention as needed. The dedicated rescue team ensures that every elder brought in receives immediate medical care upon arrival, addressing their often multiple health complications. The ashram boasts a fully equipped medical facility with doctors and nurses, a physiotherapy unit, a pathology lab, a digital X-ray monitoring machine and a pharmacy, guaranteeing round-the-clock care, even during emergencies.
Dr. Bhagat’s dream is simple yet profound – to replace the tears in the eyes of these elderly parents with smiles of contentment. He views them as his own family and strives to give them the peace they deserve. Your support for SHEOWS is instrumental in helping Dr. Bhagat achieve this noble dream. Your contributions will empower SHEOWS to keep serving those abandoned by society, helping them heal from the trauma of abandonment and the harsh streets. Your generosity can transform lives and turn tears into smiles. Stand with Dr. Bhagat and SHEOWS, and together, let’s make a difference in the lives of these precious elders. To support SHEOWS, donate here.
Jeevan Anand Sanstha
For the past decade, Sandip Parab and his NGO, Jeevan Anand Sanstha, have been a beacon of hope for over 3,000 elderly individuals. Despite grappling with financial constraints, Sandip’s unwavering commitment to rescuing and caring for homeless senior citizens has been nothing short of inspiring. Sandip’s motivation stems from a deep empathy for the elderly who find themselves abandoned and destitute on the unforgiving streets of the city. He vividly describes the harrowing plight of elderly mothers and women who face not only hunger but also the constant threat of danger. His dedication is fueled by the belief that no senior citizen should endure such suffering.
With immense determination, Sandip has personally taken it upon himself to rescue these vulnerable individuals, often using just his two-wheeler as a means of transportation. He goes above and beyond, providing essential care, including bathing, cleaning, and feeding, treating each elderly person as if they were his own parents. However, the challenges have grown as the number of rescued senior citizens continues to rise. Sandip urgently requires support in obtaining rations and medicines to sustain this extended family he has created. His story is not just one of compassion but a powerful call to action. The Jeevan Anand Sanstha fundraiser aims to protect these helpless and vulnerable senior citizens, offering them the urgent medical care, nourishment, and shelter they desperately need. To support Jeevan Anand Sanstha, donate here.
Sharanalayam
Sharanalayam, an NGO founded by N. Vanitha Rengaraj, has been a source of hope for orphaned and abandoned children in Coimbatore for nearly two decades. The unique aspect of this organization is the prevalence of ‘V’ as the initial of most of the children’s names, symbolizing their connection to Vanitha, lovingly known as ‘Thaiamma’, which means mother. These children, like V Dhanushya, who is pursuing a nursing career, have found not just shelter but a lifelong bond with Vanitha. Vanitha’s philosophy is simple yet profound: every child is equal and deserving of a better life. Sharanalayam has rescued infants from dire circumstances at bus stands, railway stations, roadsides, and temple steps. It has also embraced abandoned HIV-infected and mentally challenged children, providing them with a loving home, medical care, education, and more.
Over the years, the NGO has expanded its reach, currently providing for over 80 children who excel in their studies, with many attending private schools, with all expenses covered by Sharanalayam. The journey began in 2001, in rented premises in Pollachi, with just seven children. Vanitha’s unwavering commitment was evident when she rescued a mentally challenged baby named Shakthi, who was chained by her own mother. Despite the odds, Shakthi thrived under Vanitha’s care. Today, Sharanalayam stands at a crucial juncture, in need of support to continue its noble mission and extend its care to even more orphaned and abandoned children. As it has witnessed many of its alumni succeed in various fields, the organization aspires to nurture countless more dreams in the years to come, making every ‘V’ in its fold a symbol of hope and opportunity. To support Sharnalayam, donate here.
The impact of Hunger Action Month in India lies in its potential to drive policy changes, mobilise resources, and create sustainable solutions. By shedding light on the multifaceted aspects of hunger – be it lack of access, poverty, or food wastage – the campaign encourages citizens and organisations to take concrete actions. These actions may include food drives, educational programs, advocating for food-related policies, and supporting community-based projects that enhance food security.
Hunger Action Month also serves as a reminder of the country’s agricultural abundance and its potential to address hunger. By harnessing this opportunity, the campaign can motivate surplus food distribution, reducing wastage and ensuring that excess produce reaches those in need. Hunger Action Month holds immense promise for India. It serves as a month of reflection, action, and unity in the fight against hunger, underlining the importance of collective efforts to build a well nourished and thriving nation.
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