Akshaya Patra’s service to the needy in this COVID-19 pandemic

Just when things seemed to be getting back to normal, the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic gripped us and this time it was stronger. Since day one of announcement of the lockdown to curtail the spread of the virus, the most affected were the low-income and marginalised sections of the society. With no money to take care of their daily expenses and no savings, they were distressed. During this tough time, families feared not of getting affected by the virus, but of dying out of hunger.

Karnataka Janashakti, conducted a survey and found that 82% of people didn’t have the money to buy essentials and run their houses.

The Government of India came forward to provide support to such families. Various NGOs came forward to support them and with online donations from various individual and corporate donors, relief was provided. The Akshaya Patra Foundation began its COVID Relief Service from the first wave of the pandemic on 25th March 2020 and continues as the second wave gets stronger and stronger. As of 30th April 2021, the NGO in India has served a cumulative of 12.40-crore meals. This includes freshly cooked meals served to needy people, grocery kits that supported a marginalised family and happiness kits that were provided to mid-day meal beneficiaries. 

Migrants and labourers are rushing back to their hometowns fearing an economic shutdown. Once they are back in their home, they do not have jobs to run their family or enough savings to buy for their future. This is when Akshaya Patra, an NGO in India has joined hands with the Government of India, State Governments and District Authorities to help daily wagers and labourers. Here are a few stories from our beneficiaries.

Neetaben Ukabhai lives in Ahmedabad and works as domestic help. She says, “I am the only bread-winner of my family. During this pandemic, everybody refused to employ me with the fear of getting infected by me. With no money to stock up for the future, how would we survive was the question. But thanks to Akshaya Patra that we can survive even during this time.”

Shyam Kushwah works in a pipe manufacturing factory in Vrindavan and has lost his job due to the pandemic inflicted lockdown. Being a single parent, he was not able to take care of his two sons. He says, “I want to take care of my children. I was not able to feed them with meals every day. I was helpless; they slept on an empty stomach most of the time. If it was not for Akshaya Patra, I would not be able to ensure that they lived today. It has been a blessing for me to receive these meals.”

To read more such stories of Akshaya Patra’s beneficiaries, click here.

You can make a difference in the lives of needy people with your generous contributions. Be a part of Akshaya Patra’s feeding programmes. Donate online to bring about a positive impact in the lives of needy people and marginalised sections of society.