Mangaluru: After the lockdown was announced in the country, many people have been struggling to go out and purchase supplies to store at home to cook for the next 21-days. Even though the district administration has allowed the people to purchase essentials between 6 AM and 12, many stores run out of supplies. Those who are stranded in the city, like travellers and the homeless, are also finding it difficult to find food to eat and water to drink.
At times like these, saviours in the form of M Friends and White Doves are who these people can depend on for sustenance.
M Friends has been providing free food at the Winlock hospital premises over the last several years. Souhan SK, a member of the organisation said that the patients and their family members are given food every day.
There are at least 500 people inside the Wenlock – patients and their families. Now, due to the coronavirus crisis and the lockdown, M Friends has extended their service beyond the Wenlock Hospital.
Every day an additional 250-300 plates of food are being given to the poor and the needy living on the roadside.
“We go to bus depots, railway station and other public places and provide food. We also provide food to stray dogs and other animals in the night across the city. Now, there are many organisations doing this service. I request all the organisations that are coming forward to provide food, to also give water,” Souhan said in a conversation with Newskarnataka.com.
“We are being appreciated. Many call and say they want to support us by donating money. We do not want money. We would appreciate it if people can send us edibles like rice, vegetables etc.,” he added.
Souhan and his friend Jithin Instyle are doing most of the cooking as most of the workers from their catering firm have gone back to their homes.
M Friends serves chapatis, idly, paratha and gravy most of the times.
The organisation also distributes 2-kg rice packets to people who are economically well to do but do not have stock of food at home.
White Doves, headed by Corrine Rasquinha, is another organisation that has been serving food to the hungry during the lockdown. This work is not new to the organisation as they have been serving food to the poor and the needy for many years in several parts of the city.
