کھانا گھر | Food Bank

A proposal was written to pursue the idea of a Food Bank in Peshawar. The important aspects that should be taken into account while making social endeavors are the probability of its sustainability and the structure of minimum organizational supervision. The project was proposed to be set up in an easily accessible location and preferably in University Town, Peshawar.

The proposal that we had put forward was based on the observation of our organization on how food wastage on a daily basis in our homes can be utilized for the benefit of the homeless and unfortunate poverty-stricken individuals in Peshawar. We observed, that in most homes, not only affluent ones, a couple of dishes are usually made for lunch or dinner, and what remains is usually frozen or kept for the helpers or just goes to waste eventually. The idea is that the food that’s going to waste is saved and packaged in predesigned packing and given to the ‘Food Bank’, that will be ready to pick it up from a specified location or the individual wanting to take part in the daily service can deliver it upon their convenience to the food bank designated locations.

It was on that basis that we would ask a number of families to register with us, for a specific period of time in which they opt-in and they will provide us with the food that goes in to ‘Food Bank’. Countries all around the world have ‘Food Bank/Pantry Houses, that keep and serve the community with consistency which is required in today's world and also to perform the act of giving, social responsibility, and love.

Below are the description and benefits of this plan. It also elaborates on how the packaging of the food is going to be made convenient, and where the specific locations of pickups would be and how this can be an outreach project, and every community member can help and do their bit for the society.

BACKGROUND OF FOOD BANK
A food bank or foodbank is a non-profit, charitable organization that distributes food to those who have difficulty purchasing enough food to avoid hunger. The world’s first documented food bank was established in the US in 1967, and since then many thousands have been set up all over the world. The growth of food banks has been broadly welcomed, most especially by those on the right of the political spectrum, but also by many on the left, who see them as evidence of an active community that is independent of the state.

BENEFITS OF OPENING A FOOD BANK IN PESHAWAR
Food wastage on a daily basis in our homes can be utilized for the benefit of the homeless and unfortunate poverty-stricken.

Social Benefits
The idea is that the food that’s going to waste is saved and packaged in predesigned packing and given to the ‘Food Bank’. In short; saving food that’s almost certainly wasted is being utilized for the purpose of social welfare and along with our social responsibility to the poor and the underprivileged community, we also instill a sense of the notion of ethical values and conservation of groceries and its proper utilization.

Considering there will be less wastage thus there will be less to dispose off and the environment can be kept clean on a smaller scale but it’s also a stepping stone towards avoiding mass food wastage, such that; are seen at wedding buffets and restaurants.

It would also bring about a feeling of social responsibility as the community will be playing an important role in packaging the food and giving it to the Food Bank on an active basis and also would serve as new conversation amidst the usual banter of no social welfare projects present to volunteer for and maybe create a sense of responsibility to give ones time to such activities as well.

Health and other Benefits

• Development of social welfare interests in the old and young generation.
• Leadership qualities, on part of the household that helps the project.
• Utilization of food that’s kept frozen or wasted, less food garbage.

Target Area
University Road, Peshawar was the chosen site for the first project as the number of daily wage workers are present in this area, also it will be convenient for the people of Hayatabad and town who normally pass by.

Management & Logistics
Pre-designed packages will be provided to the families that are willing to take part in the project, delivery of the package will be voluntarily or it will be picked up from designated areas.

One package could contain two Rotis (naan) and a Salan (gravy). Each family
that’s willing to partner up in this social service will take responsibility and sign a form that will state how many packages they are willing to serve on a daily basis and also for how many days and then the time table according to the need will be designed and planned.