Even as Food Distribution and Consumer Affairs minister Ram Vilas Paswan hinted at dictating portion size to prevent wastage of food, restaurants in the Capital say they have been acting on the issue for some time now, by devising their own mechanisms to ensure that extra food reaches the needy.
Last month, Paswan had said that his ministry will soon define the amount of food to be served in restaurants and hotels. The announcement sent a lot of industry players into a tizzy, with some scrambling for a plan of action, while others in NCR have taken the lead in utilising the food that’s left at the end of the day.
One such place is Molecule in Sector 29, Gurugram. Every night around 11, having finished their day’s work, a group of kids huddle outside the outlet, all smiles because they know that irrespective of their earnings for the day, they won’t sleep on an empty stomach. The restaurant feeds about 30 children who sell small ware like pens, balloons, toys etc on traffic signals.
“We are left with about 6-7 kg of food every day in our kitchen. I personally feel that throwing it away is criminal. So, our staff members serve these kids and it also gives us the satisfaction that someone has been fed,” shares Manish Sharma, owner of Molecule.
Meanwhile, Nukkad Cafe in SDA not only distributes surplus food to the poor living in surrounding areas, but also takes care of the leftovers. Kanishq Tuteja, the owner says, “We ensure that portions that are untouched in the platter don’t go into the dustbin. That does not mean we give the hungry jootha khana. They have a right to eat clean food as much as anyone else.”
Coming to hotels, Roseate House New Delhi, a five-star hotel in Delhi’s Aerocity says it sends about 10 kg of “extra untouched food” everyday to a local orphanage.
It’s not just children, a few eateries are showing magnanimity by providing excess food towards animals as well. For instance, French bakery L’Opera sends their unsold breads and pastries to a dog shelter in Gulmohar Park.
They also send their products to a French charity Main Tendue.
Speaking to DNA, Laurent Samandari, managing director, L’Opera states, “We believe in sharing what we have without hurting the dignity of the needy.”
Food for thought
Nukkad Cafe in SDA not only distributes surplus food to the poor living in surrounding areas, but also takes care of the leftovers.
Roseate House New Delhi, a five-star hotel in Delhi’s Aerocity sends about 10 kg of “extra untouched food” everyday to a local orphanage. A few eateries provide excess food to animal shelters as well.