How this ‘community fridge’ initiative ensuring no one goes to sleep hungry
In 2015, Issa Fathima Jasmine took a small step – she started providing food to a woman living under a bridge. One day, the woman passed away, and this left Issa with an urge to help others. Her small step soon took the form of an initiative and an organisation.
Issa is currently working as a Consultant Orthodontist at Apollo Dental Clinics. She describes herself as a social worker, a budding permaculturist, a traveler, a teacher, and a fitness enthusiast.
She started a non-profit organisation called The Public Foundation.
As per the organisation, they are making it easier for people to share and receive the food they need by installing community fridges across the neighbourhood. “We named the project “Ayyamittu Unn”, which translates to “share the food with the needy before you eat”. The fridges are accessible to anyone and everyone.
With each fridge feeding 100 – 120 people daily, the organisation said that the collective impact of the Community Fridge Network is huge.
The organisation
Issa started – The Public Foundation, an organisation that installs community fridges to provide food for hundreds of homeless people and poor families. Local communities replenish the fridges daily with food from their homes or hotels, and
Cut short; community fridges are a way for those in need to access food while preserving their dignity and self-respect. The organisation has undertaken several initiatives for the people, including,
Feed a Family Initiative: Having home-cooked food is a luxury for poor people. To that end, the team provides low-income households with the home-cooked meals by distributing grocery bundles to support their livelihood.
Project SOS: When disaster strikes, the organisation quickly provides essential relief materials to the victims and supports them during their difficult times. Timely disaster relief is crucial in responding to these sudden events.
Sweet Squad Drive: The team spreads joy and happiness by sharing sweets, chocolates, or dry fruits with the less fortunate, such as the homeless and orphans, during festivals and special occasions. As rightly said: “Happiness multiplies when it is shared with those in need.”
Charity Counter: The waste or things of no use to you can be a treasure for many. Hence, the organisation also provides a platform for people to donate pre-loved items, such as clothes, stationeries, toys, footwear, or vessels, at their charity counters to bring joy to new lives.
The organisation is playing its part in a better society where poor people can access some of the most basic things.
Need more such initiatives
It is important to start initiatives to help poor people as poverty can lead to a range of social and economic issues, such as lack of access to basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare, as well as limited opportunities for education and employment.
Helping the poor can improve their living standards, promote equality, reduce disparities, and contribute to the overall development and stability of communities and society. Additionally, helping those in need can also bring a sense of fulfilment and purpose to those who assist.
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What a wonderful and inspiring initiative! The The Public Foundation and its founder, Issa Fathima Jasmine, are truly making a difference in the lives of so many people in need. The idea of community fridges providing food for the homeless and poor families is a simple yet effective solution that is having a significant impact. Keep up the great work Issa Fathima Jasmine!