No One Will Go Hungry During Lockdown, Kerala To Open 1000 Community Kitchens For Food Delivery

The ongoing nationwide 21-day lockdown is the most challenging time for most of us, as there is still uncertainty over the supply of essentials, especially food items. While there is much report of shortages, the true picture will only emerge in a few days due to the breakdown in the supply chain.

It is particularly challenging for those who were already under home isolation and could not stock up essentials and are unable to go out to buy them. Now Kerala has launched an ambitious project under which food will be delivered at homes to everyone in need.

BCCL

Speaking to the media on Wednesday during his daily briefings about the Covid-19 situation in the state, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said nobody should go hungry and announced the plan to start community kitchens in every panchayat. Vijayan said every panchayat in the state will have a dedicated phone number and anybody who calls to that number for food will get it delivered at their home. Only cooked food will be delivered through this project.

¡°Some people may find it tough to ask for food from others even if they are hungry. But if the government provides a number, anybody can call that number freely,'' he said.

Local bodies have been directed to identify homeless and daily earners who were struggling for food.

¡°Also, there are people who cannot cook food at home¡ª because of old age or illness or because they are differently-abled. They should not go hungry during the lockdown. The local bodies should ensure they get food,'' Vijayan added.

BCCL

The chief minister also announced that every family in the state will get a grocery kit. Families who are not on a priority list will also get 15-kilo rice for free. According to Kerala Finance Minister Dr. Thomas Isaac, the meal will cost Rs 20, but for those who cannot afford it, it will be given for free.

Kerala is the first state to set up community kitchens in the wake of the 21-day nationwide lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

The Uttar Pradesh government has said that essential commodities like vegetables, milk, medicines will be delivered at doorsteps during the 21-day-lockdown. The UP government has allocated over 10,000 vehicles to make such deliveries. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured citizens that the state has enough inventory/stock of essential items for all 23 Cr people. ¡°For the safety of you and your family don¡¯t step out of your houses and maintain social distance.

BCCL

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also announced free rations to 72 lakh people whose jobs and livelihoods may have been affected by the lockdown. Several other arrangements including Rs 5,000 to all construction workers and doubling of pensions for widows and elderly and specially-abled citizens.

Gujarat government has announced that free ration will be provided to 60 lakh families. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said the decision will benefit an estimated 3.25 crore people. He said that the benefit will be given to daily wagers and labourers having ration cards.