Extending the banquet hall and curbing food waste

On International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, The Hindu Downtown takes a look at two groups in Chennai united by a calling to fill empty plates with recovered surplus food but are going about this mission in contrasting styles

In the streets of Chennai, where grand celebrations often leave behind plates piled high with untouched food, this man saw what most others did not — the need to extend the banquet hall and let the uninvited poor in.

And this man, R. Arun Kumar made common cause with a major surplus food distribution movement No Food Waste that originated in Coimbatore, and through that association, saw the rise of “No Food Waste — Chennai”. Over the years, the Chennai chapter has formed a rock-solid core team and a sizeable body of volunteers willing to go the extra mile.

In existence for the past six years, the Chennai chapter of No Food Waste has been finding fresh plates for surplus food not just in Chennai district, but also the surrounding Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts.

The NGO steps in to collect food that overshoots calculated plates at weddings, restaurants, college canteens and hotel buffets, ensuring it meets safety standards before being delivered straight to the hungry.

Ever since he transitioned from a corporate career (as an employee in a variety of startups, the telecom sector and as a freelancer) to community service (as regional director of No Food Waste in Chennai region), Arun’s plate has been full. For, the hungry is always with us; and people invariably leave a chunk of any gastronomic fare untouched.

In the wider Chennai Metropolitan Area, this movement has provided meals to over 25 lakh individuals – and that has obviously entailed considerable work for Arun and his team.

Between food rescue and delivery, there are unavoidable stages. Arun explains that “No Food Waste” ensures that untouched excess food is collected, verified, and donated to the needy in compliance with strict FSSAI guidelines. To enhance transparency, donors receive photographic evidence and acknowledgement once their contributions reach those in need. Food is distributed to daily wage workers, slum areas and homes. Arun emphasises, “Every time we collect food, it is a step towards a zero-waste future.” In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when food insecurity soared, Arun and his team launched their own kitchen to prepare fresh meals, reaching some of the city’s most vulnerable populations. This shift highlights their commitment and ability to adapt and serve those in need during challenging times.