The idea of a food bank has its roots in the concept that was practised in Portugal during Nalini E de Souza’s time there. “There was a chain of supermarkets that would invite people to donate non-perishable items to be shipped to Africa. Now of course, since Portugal itself is facing an economic down-slide, it is collecting items for its own countrymen. I thought this would be a good idea to implement here in Goa as I do a lot of work/workshops with various orphanages,” explains Nalini. Her concept however has a more specific purpose. “Instead of spending money on food items, the orphanages could divert these fund to better education of their wards,” says Nalini of the movement which took shape in 2014. To this end, Communicare Trust met with the seven orphanages as well as Asha Mahal and asked them to submit a list of non-perishable items required by them. “We tied up with Magsons in Porvorim, Miramar, Caculo Mall. We make a list of items and people are free to choose whatever they would like to donate. Once they purchase these goods, they deposit in in the carts outside manned by our volunteers. The stocks thus collected are then divided into eight parts and distributed. We started this last year in December 2014 and had a second run in June and now a third this December. We plan to continue collections twice a year,” she explain. As part of their charities, the Trust has sent two tonnes from their collections this time around to aid the victims of the Chennai floods in Kundanoor. After an initial hesitance, the concept is now gaining momentum, with more people contributing to the bank. “The momentum is catching up. The interesting aspect of this drive is that everyone, instead of just one person or organisation, can donate. In fact, some gives cash and others come up with a full cart instead of a few items. This year itself, we have had donations from around 300 people which is very encouraging. It’s a really good feeling. What is more heartening is that many of my students have volunteered to help,” says Nalini, envisaging a bigger collection this year as the drive continues till the end of the year at all three locations including the one at Fatorda. As the drive gains momentum and awareness builds up, the Food Bank concept is becoming a great avenue to help those in need.
A BANK FULL OF FOOD… AND LOVE
In a novel move, the Food Bank set up by Communicare Trust is engaging the interest and support of people all over Goa to contribute non-perishable items to the bank to be disbursed to designated orphanages. Café speaks to Nalini E de Sousa, the lady behind the concept
