Bengaluru’s hunger saviours from HHIF and RHA lead the fight against food waste

Bengaluru has become a hub for innovative efforts to combat food waste while feeding those in need. Reportedly, a recent example unfolded in HSR Layout when a political event was canceled due to rain. Instead of letting the leftover breakfast of idlis, kesari bath, and khara pongal go to waste, Younes Matheen, head of the Helping Heroes India Foundation (HHIF), distributed the food to 100 children in a nearby slum.

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Matheen’s non-profit works tirelessly to collect surplus food from restaurants, food processing units, and community events, redirecting it to underserved communities across the city.

The Robin Hood Army (RHA), a volunteer-driven organization fighting food wastage for over a decade, reportedly feeds 1,000 to 1,500 people from low-income communities every week. Volunteers like Shivakumar Bhadraiah, with 30 years of service, ensure leftover food from wedding halls and caterers reaches the needy instead of being discarded.

Adding a tech twist to the mission, the app ‘Bee The Change’ enables bakeries and cafes to sell surplus food at a third of its original price. This solution benefits students and professionals keen on sustainable consumption.

However, challenges persist. Hotels and tech parks often cite hygiene concerns and internal policies, limiting the distribution of excess food. Despite these hurdles, groups like HHIF and RHA continue to provide a lifeline to low-income families, poor, and the homeless, proving that surplus food can be a resource for nourishment rather than waste.