BENGALURU: A cafe halted its regular operations to distribute food to migrants and daily-wage workers in various parts of the city.
Surendra Kedia, the owner of Cafe Reset in Koramangala, said after the lockdown was announced in May, he decided to help people struggling without work or an income.
In the past month, he and his team members have prepared and supplied more than 20,000 meals to the needy.
“We started with 200 and now distribute over 700 every day.
Preparing and packing such a large number of meals is a big task.
It was getting difficult to balance the initiative with our regular takeaway orders, so we decided to stop the orders and focus only on the meals,” Kedia said.
The cafe, which began operations last year, has tied up with the BBMP war room in HSR Layout, an NGO and local councillors and MLAs for the initiative.
“We also distribute meals to families and relatives of patients waiting outside St John’s hospital.
On other days, we also serve workers and people at the Kudlu crematorium,” he said.
The spirit of giving and reactions of beneficiaries drive the team at the establishment.
“Everyone is enthusiastic about the initiative and has even offered to distribute meals whenever possible.
The people whom we have been serving show so much joy and gratitude,” Kedia said.
The meal boxes contain rice items made with healthy alternatives as the outlet is part of a holistic fitness centre.
“The cafe is the brainchild of celebrity nutritionist and lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho.
It aims to consciously break the strict diet mindset and approach food without compromising on taste and health,” he said.
The establishment plans to restart its regular operations on Monday while continuing the initiative.
“We have observed the situation on the ground, and it is thankfully improving.
There is no longer a need for 700-800 meals.
We will reduce the number and open up for takeaways,” Kedia added.