The equitable distribution of food

Spectator

It seems to me that if we depend on the Government and its various arms to tackle malnutrition in Mumbai, nothing really will get done. More children will die, more new cases will develop and the tragedy will continue. 

So how about this? Mumbai’s citizens those who have benefited from the economic boom and whose lifestyles now revolve around eating out, shopping and entertaining, adopt the issue themselves.

Here’s how it can work. Every time a bill is paid at a restaurant, a small percentage goes to the Malnutrition Foundation. Nothing large at all. Even two per cent would make a difference.

Would customers really object? At their local Irani joints, or their five star eateries, diners will eat with the satisfaction of knowing that their indulgences are saving children’s lives.

That’s one scheme. There are others. How about if every time there is a party at a home or in a restaurant, all the left over food be transported to areas that are prone to malnutrition?

A volunteer group of concerned citizens can take the responsibility of transporting the food to the necessary areas. Perhaps, industrial houses can lend vehicles for transportation.

But that is not all. What about getting the builder lobby to be involved? Most of the malnutrition deaths are in areas where large, swanky townships are coming up.

How about if the builders of these high rises, arrive at some consensus for an amount of money that they could donate to set up as fund to tackle each area’s malnutrition crisis?

Not only will it save lives, but will also raise the profile of the areas where these high rise buildings exist. After all malnutrition cases next door do not do much for a high rise’s profile.

There are other ways that malnutrition in Mumbai can be eradicated. Foodies and food writers can appoint themselves as custodians of the cause.

Since their lives have been enhanced by food , they can vow to make the equitable distribution of food their agenda.

Housewives in Mumbai’s affluent households can pledge to cook one extra chappati and extra daal with each meal they are making towards this cause, which then can be transported by large corporations to the required areas in a daily collection and distribution exercise.

Lastly, all those big names involved in setting up supermarkets and hypermarkets can donate essentials like rice, wheat and daal on a daily basis commensurate with their sales. The goodwill and positive PR this will accrue to them will make it well worth the effort.

So many different ways we can make a difference in Mumbai. So many solutions to the problem.

No reason why in a city bustling with a foodie culture, known to be the great restaurant city of  India, people should die for lack of food.
s_malavika@dnaindia.net