In a remarkable initiative that sets a benchmark for social responsibility and environmental sustainability, thirteen companies that partnered with Street Providence to provide food to the poor were honoured with certificates and citations by Goa’s Minister for Factories and Boilers, Nilkant Harlankar. The recognition ceremony celebrated the companies’ commitment to donating excess edible food from their canteens to feed the homeless and underprivileged, rather than allowing it to go to waste.
Street Providence, a Goa-based non-profit, has pioneered this unique programme—one of its kind in India—where surplus, hygienically prepared food from corporate canteens is collected and distributed to those in need. The initiative not only addresses hunger among the most vulnerable sections of society but also tackles the pressing issue of food wastage, which is a significant concern in urban India.
Over the course of the programme, the collective efforts of these thirteen companies have resulted in the saving of an impressive 1 lakh kilograms of wet waste from entering landfills. Additionally, the initiative has prevented 10,000 kilograms of plastic from being discarded as garbage, thanks to the use of reusable or eco-friendly packaging for food distribution. This dual impact—feeding the poor and protecting the environment—has garnered praise from both government officials and the wider community.
Minister Nilkant Harlankar, while presenting the certificates, lauded the companies for their role in supporting Street Providence’s mission and for setting an example for other organizations to follow. He emphasized that such collaborations are crucial for building a compassionate and sustainable society.
The programme stands as a testament to how corporate social responsibility, when combined with innovative non-profit action, can make a tangible difference in the lives of the underprivileged while also contributing to environmental conservation. The success of this model in Goa could inspire similar initiatives across the country, amplifying its positive impact on both society and the planet.