2021 Apr 15
Food. An integral component of survival, a cornerstone of civilisation, and an avenue of nature’s bounty. If you’re an avid follower of Pulse, you know we love our food (our restaurant reviews and recipes anyone?). But today, we’re putting our focus on something else.
Hunger is something the majority of us are lucky not to know, but it’s an issue that plagues the lives of many in Sri Lanka. Thousands of Sri Lankans go to bed hungry every day. So today, let’s take a look at the people who are doing something to root out hunger and how you can be a part of this cause.
Food waste is something we all have to deal with from time to time, especially after parties and occasions of the sort. There are quite a few organisations through which you might be able to feed someone with food that you were going to throw away (or a four-legged furry friend)!
Organisations Accepting Food Leftovers
Robin Hood Army
Hands down one of the most popular organisations of this calibre, the Robin Hood Army is an international volunteer organisation fighting to end hunger. In Sri Lanka, the Robin Hood Army works with restaurants to collect and deliver leftovers to those in need. Although they don’t accept leftovers from the public, they are in constant need of help, so volunteers are welcome! They are very active on Facebook and Instagram, so check them out there.
Web: https://robinhoodarmy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHASL
Instagram: @rha_srilanka
Active areas: Colombo, Batticaloa
Other Food Charities
Donating leftovers isn’t always a viable option due to a whole host of reasons. However, there are still quite a lot of people doing great things to feed the hungry, and they need our help too. Here are some food charities that don’t accept leftovers but are still serving our community.
Jana Suwa Bala
This is a group that provides free lunch at the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital every weekday. Run by volunteers and sustained by community donations, Jana Suwa Bala has a big impact on those who genuinely need help, and any form of assistance is greatly appreciated by them. You can reach them through the number below.
Contact Number: 0772 561 321
Email: janasuwa.apeksha@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanaSuwaBala
Active areas: Maharagama
Sri Lankadhara Society
An organisation that provides a host of humanitarian services including food donations. You can bring in ready-cooked or packed meals or even bear the costs of having them prepared in the Lankadhara kitchens.
Contact Number: 112 588 8380
Email: info@srilankadhara.org
Website: https://srilankadhara.org/
Active areas: Within Colombo only
Donating Leftovers to Help our Furry Friends
Let’s not forget that there are many stray animals including dogs and cats who often face similar circumstances, struggling to find food each day. There are a host of organisations and shelters in Sri Lanka that accept food donations as well as funding so you can even sponsor a day’s meal.
Animal Welfare and Protection Association
The Animal Welfare and Protection Association (AWPA) is a certified voluntary organisation concerned with the distressing conditions that stray animals are faced with. You can help by sponsoring a meal, providing dry rations or providing cooked meals (in large quantities).
Contact Number: 0112 587 116
Website: http://www.awpasl.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awpasl.org/
Instagram: @awpasl
Baw Baw Animal Welfare Organisation
This organisation gives you the opportunity to donate a fixed or custom amount that will go towards rescuing stray dogs and cats, saving cows from slaughter, spaying and neutering programmes as well as feeding hungry strays. They also have island-wide feeding programmes where a group of volunteers can get together to feed these 4-legged friends.
Contact Number: 0719 159 992
Email: Bawbaw.US@gmail.com
Website: https://www.bawbaw.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bawbaw.lk
Instagram: @bawbaw_sl
Active areas: Kadawatha
