Latest news with #HungerFreeWorld
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Hunger Free World: Malabar Gold & Diamonds' fight against urban hunger
. Hunger is a deeply rooted global crisis that continues to haunt humanity despite centuries of agricultural advancement and economic development. According to statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, over 29.5 crore people across 53 countries and territories faced acute hunger in 2024—an increase of almost 14 million compared to 2023. This situation is not caused by food scarcity but by food insecurity. According to the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) , conflict, economic crises, climate extremes, and forced displacement continue to drive food insecurity. Against this stark backdrop, the Hunger Free World initiative by Malabar Gold & Diamonds emerges as a powerful and practical response to the invisible hunger haunting India's streets. Launched in 2022 as a grassroots intervention to address post-pandemic food insecurity, the project has since evolved into one of India's largest and most systematically executed corporate efforts to fight hunger. It targets the most neglected populations—those living in the open, in slums, and in unregistered settlements—who often fall through the cracks of government schemes and civil society outreach. Hunger is a deeply rooted global crisis that continues to haunt humanity despite centuries of agricultural advancement and economic development. According to statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, over 29.5 crore people across 53 countries and territories faced acute hunger in 2024—an increase of almost 14 million compared to 2023. This situation is not caused by food scarcity but by food insecurity. According to the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) , conflict, economic crises, climate extremes, and forced displacement continue to drive food insecurity. Against this stark backdrop, the Hunger Free World initiative by Malabar Gold & Diamonds emerges as a powerful and practical response to the invisible hunger haunting India's streets. Launched in 2022 as a grassroots intervention to address post-pandemic food insecurity, the project has since evolved into one of India's largest and most systematically executed corporate efforts to fight hunger. It targets the most neglected populations—those living in the open, in slums, and in unregistered settlements—who often fall through the cracks of government schemes and civil society outreach. The core mission of Hunger Free World is simple but profound: to ensure that no individual has to sleep hungry, especially in urban and peri-urban zones where vulnerability is compounded by invisibility. The project is designed to go beyond emergency relief; it aims to create sustained, structured, and scalable systems for food access in marginaliszed communities. To date, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has distributed 2.5 crore meals across the country and beyond. On average, 70,000 hot and nutritious meals are served daily to people living in conditions of extreme deprivation. Of these, 10,000 packets are distributed in three schools in Zambia. The meals are prepared with strict attention to hygiene and nutrition standards and are delivered through a network of partner NGOs and local volunteers. Each location is monitored to ensure quality, consistency, and traceability—key features that set the program apart from sporadic charity drives. The project began during the pandemic, but its roots can be traced back tolie in Malabar's long-standing commitment to social equity. As the crisis unfolded, field workers began noticing a disturbing pattern: individuals waiting for food who had gone unnoticed by both government and non-governmental support systems. Entire families were living on sidewalks, under flyovers, or behind construction sites. These were people without documentation, without shelter, and without even the means to access ration cards or food subsidies. It was in response to this reality that Hunger Free World was conceptualiszed—not just as a feeding program, but as a long-term intervention to map urban hunger, identify its patterns, and design responses tailored to local needs. . In just three years, the scale of the initiative has grown exponentially. In 2022, it operated in 16 cities and served 17.55 lakh meals. By 2023, it had expanded to 34 cities, distributing 72.35 lakh meals. In 2024, it reached 80 cities with 1.13 crore meals served. Currently, meals are being distributed in 167 centeres across 20 states, with new urban locations being added each month. The initiative is executed in collaboration with carefully vetted partner NGOs, local bodies, and volunteers who help identify true beneficiaries. These include the homeless, migrant workers, elderly people without support, and children living without parental care. The distribution system is decentraliszed to ensure adaptability, and teams on the ground conduct periodic needs assessments to realign priorities and reduce duplication of services. This approach has enabled the program to become both responsive and resilient in the face of evolving challenges. As part of the Hunger Free World programme, Malabar Gold and Diamonds has launched a new initiative called Micro Learning Centres (MLCs). The aim is to support impoverished children who are either not enrolled in school or have dropped out due to extreme poverty. We identify these children, bring them to the MLCs, and provide them with basic education, nutritious food, and essential medical care, —with the ultimate goal of reintegrating them into the formal schooling system. They We have opened 716 MLCs across different states, serving over 32,000 children. So far, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has successfully re-enrolled 9,000 students in schools through this initiative. Importantly, Hunger Free World does not approach hunger as an isolated issue. Instead, it treats food insecurity as part of a broader ecosystem of deprivation. In many locations, meal distribution is accompanied by basic medical checkups, counselling, and access to clean drinking water. Beneficiaries are guided on how to access government services and documentation. This integrated approach ensures that hunger is not only alleviated in the immediate term but also addressed through systemic inclusion. A powerful aspect of the campaign is its emphasis on dignity. Meals are served with respect, and the language of charity is consciously avoided. In several cities, distribution points have become informal community spaces—where those living on the margins can gather without judgment, receive a warm meal, and experience human connection. The campaign also prioritiszes accountability and transparency. With ₹53 crore allocated to the project so far, every rupee is accounted for through rigorous auditing and monitoring processes. Daily reports, quality checks, and beneficiary tracking mechanisms are integral to its operation, allowing for constant refinement and credible impact measurement. The growing success of Hunger Free World has also encouraged expansion into international territories. In 2024, the initiative launched its first international chapter in Zambia, aiming to serve 3.6 million school meals annually. This marks a significant step in taking the model global, demonstrating that corporate-led humanitarian efforts can adapt to diverse geographies and socio-economic contexts. At the heart of Hunger Free World is a deeply human philosophy. As M.P. Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, notes: . 'We want to send a strong message to society: hunger can be eradicated if people work in unison. We are doing our utmost in this regard. We believe that revolutionary changes are possible if corporations and institutions join hands to fight hunger. Of course, the distribution of food packets offers immediate relief, but it does not eradicate the root cause of the problem. What is truly important is achieving sustainable economic growth by increasing production and creating more jobs. That is the long-term solution. However, with 29.5 crore people facing hunger, we cannot wait for economic growth to reach everyone. Hence, we launched the Hunger Free World programme.' The story of Hunger Free World is one of empathy turned into action—of corporate resources channelled into meaningful transformation. It demonstrates that when business meets conscience, real change becomes possible. In a world where millions still go to bed hungry, Malabar's initiative is not just feeding bodies—it is restoring hope. The article has been produced on behalf of Malabar Gold & Diamonds by the Times Internet's Spotlight team Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Hans India
2 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Food distribution vehicles to reach out to poor
Visakhapatnam: In order to reach out to the poor and satiate their hunger, food distribution vehicles were flagged off in the city on Wednesday. Marking the World Hunger Day, the vehicles were launched by Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Visakhapatnam as part of its corporate social responsibility. After inaugurating the vehicles, Visakhapatnam South constituency MLA Ch Vamsi Krishna Srinivas Yadav lauded the efforts of the jewellery group for catering to the needs of the weaker sections. Appreciating the group's management, the MLA said the jewellery group allocated Rs.150 crore for the initiative. He said that the group has been organizing various service oriented programmes in the fields of healthcare, education, poverty eradication, women empowerment, environmental protection, and construction of houses for the poor through the Hunger Free World scheme.
United News of India
3 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Malabar Group allocates Rs 150 crore for CSR in 2025-26
New Delhi, May 28 (UNI) Malabar Group, one of India's leading business conglomerates and parent company of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, has announced a substantial allocation of Rs 150 crore for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in the financial year 2025-26. The fund will be deployed to expand initiatives across healthcare, education, hunger and poverty alleviation, women empowerment, environment protection, and housing for the underprivileged. On World Hunger Day, the Group reaffirmed its commitment under the flagship 'Hunger Free World' project to distribute 70,000 meals daily across India and Zambia, amounting to a total of 2.5 crore meals in 2025-26. This marks a significant increase compared to the 2.5 crore meals served over the past three years since the programme's inception. The initiative aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2 – Zero Hunger. Dr Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog and G-20 Sherpa, inaugurated the next phase of the Group's CSR activities. Present at the event were MP Ahammed, Chairman of Malabar Group; KP Abdul Salam, Vice Chairman; O Asher, Managing Director of India Operations; Group Executive Directors Nishad AK and KP Veerankutty; Group Director PA Abdulla Ibrahim; Dr Idrees V, Chairman of THANAL Daya Rehabilitation Trust; Jishad NK, Zonal Head – North, and other senior officials. Commenting on the initiative, Ahammed said, "At Malabar Group, CSR is an integral part of our culture and we believe in giving back to society. May 28 is dedicated as our annual CSR day, where we reaffirm our pledge to stand with the underserved through sustained and impactful action. "While we are doing our utmost, a greater impact can be achieved if more organisations join this mission. With 295 million people globally facing acute hunger as per UN data, immediate action is non-negotiable. Our Hunger Free World initiative reflects this urgency, focusing on meal distribution alongside efforts to boost food production, create jobs, and foster sustainable economic growth." Currently, the Hunger Free World project distributes over 60,000 nutrient-rich meals daily through 167 centres across 20 states in India. In Zambia, the Group partners with the government to serve 10,000 meals daily to students in three schools. The kitchens operate with modern equipment and are staffed by trained culinary and hygiene personnel. In addition to hunger alleviation, the Group's educational initiatives include 716 micro-learning centres providing primary education and nutrition to street children across India. Over 32,000 children have enrolled, with 9,000 integrated into formal schooling, in collaboration with THANAL. Scholarships have been awarded to 1,14,000 girls to support their education. The Group's 'Grandma Homes' initiative offers free shelter and care to destitute women, with operational centres in Bengaluru, Kerala, and Hyderabad, and plans to expand to Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai. On healthcare, Malabar Group plans to establish non-profit medical stores offering subsidised medicines across 140 locations in Kerala, with 27 stores already operational. The 'Uyirppu Project' supports higher education for children affected by last year's Wayanad landslide, providing financial aid to 134 students. Since inception, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has consistently allocated 5% of its profits towards social welfare programmes. UNI BDN GNK
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Malabar Group earmarks ₹150 crore for CSR in FY26
Malabar Group, the parent company of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, said it has allocated ₹150 crore in 2025-26 for scaling up its CSR initiatives focused on healthcare, education, hunger & poverty alleviation, women empowerment, environment protection and housing for less privileged. Under its 'The Hunger Free World' initiative, the group has committed to distribute 70,000 meals daily in India and Zambia to the under-privileged, totalling 2.50 crore meals in 2025-26. 'This represents a significant leap from the cumulative achievement of 2.5 crore meals served over the past three years and signals a deepened commitment to the cause of food security for underserved communities,' the group said. The initiative is aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 2 - Zero Hunger. M.P. Ahammed, Chairman, Malabar Group said, 'CSR is an integral part of our culture and we believe in giving back to society. We dedicate May 28 as our annual CSR day; we reaffirm our pledge to stand with the underserved through sustained and impactful action.' 'Our CSR initiatives are a reflection of that enduring commitment. While we are doing our utmost, a greater impact can be achieved if more organisations join this mission. With 295 million people globally facing acute hunger (as per UN data), immediate action is non-negotiable,' he said. 'This urgency drives our meal distribution efforts under the Hunger Free World initiative. Having said that, along with food distribution, the need of the hour is concerted efforts to boost production, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth to bring in sustainable change,' he added.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Private sector must help achieve 'hunger free' India, says G20 Sherpa
The country's G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant on Wednesday called for greater private sector participation to ensure "hunger free" India, saying the government alone cannot tackle the challenge. Speaking at the launch of Malabar Group's expanded corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Kant praised the jewellery company's "The Hunger Free World" project, which aims to distribute 70,000 daily meals to underprivileged people in fiscal 2025-26. "If there are more groups like Malabar Group, we are able to transform the world. It requires continued collaboration between government, civil society, private sector and individuals," said Kant, former CEO of government think tank NITI Aayog. Around 119 million people in India remain undernourished, with women and children bearing the heaviest burden, he said. The government provides free rations to 800 million people through distribution centres, but ensuring nutritious food remains crucial. "It is not just about providing food, it is important to ensure nutritious food," Kant said. "It is also very important that private sector takes over this responsibility at the local level." Live Events Malabar Group Chairman M P Ahammed announced a commitment of Rs 150 crore towards CSR initiatives for fiscal 2025-26. The company contributes 5 per cent of net profit to CSR activities, well above the government-mandated 2 per cent. The Hunger Free World project currently distributes 70,000 meal packets daily across India and Zambia. In India, over 60,000 nutrient-rich meals are provided through 167 centres spanning 20 states. Malabar Group's annual revenue now stands at Rs 64,000-65,000 crore, ahead of rivals Tanishq at Rs 42,000 crore and Kalyan Jewellers at 24,000-25,000 crore. "With 295 million people globally facing acute hunger according to UN data, "immediate action is non-negotiable," Ahammed said.
