PROJECT DASTARKHWAN
Grassroot initiative to nourish people and enrich communities
The dastarkhwan project envisions: resilient, strong and united networks and alliances of local organizations and communities working on the root causes of hunger and poverty to build and strengthen social movements around the world. Led by the people most affected by poverty and institutionalized oppression, these movements will transform our food system into one that is socially and economically just, protects our planet, nourishes entire communities, and ensures the rights of all people to nutritious food, fertile land, clean water, and sustainable livelihoods .
We believe that:
• Nutritious food is a human right. A world without hunger is possible.
• Food charity will never end hunger.
• We can end hunger by transforming the wider social inequalities, systems and policies that perpetuate hunger and poverty.
• Transformation is only possible through autonomous social movements led by people and communities who have experienced oppression and injustice in the food system.
• Grassroots organizations like Project dastarkhwan exist to strengthen social movements and play a key role in building a society rooted in social justice where all people have dignified access to food and sustainable livelihoods.
THE PROBLEM
According to United Nations-"The number of people facing hunger and food insecurity has been rising since 2015, with the pandemic, conflict, climate change and growing inequalities exacerbating the situation. In 2022, about 9.2 per cent of the world population was facing chronic hunger, equivalent to about 735 million people – 122 million more than in 2019. An estimated 29.6 per cent of the global population – 2.4 billion people – were moderately or severely food insecure, meaning they did not have access to adequate food. This figure reflects an alarming 391 million more people than in 2019. Despite global efforts, in 2022, an estimated 45 million children under the age of 5 suffered from wasting, 148 million had stunted growth and 37 million were overweight. A fundamental shift in trajectory is needed to achieve the 2030 nutrition targets. To achieve zero hunger by 2030, urgent coordinated action and policy solutions are imperative to address entrenched inequalities, transform food systems, invest in sustainable agricultural practices, and reduce and mitigate the impact of conflict and the pandemic on global nutrition and food security."
We will not see significant improvements in the hunger statistics in India or around the world until we dismantle the broader policies, systems and institutions that perpetuate economic, racial and other social and political inequities. We must invest in the many community-led solutions and social movements that are nourishing people and the planet and support them in leading us in transforming the current food system into one rooted in equity. That is why Denzal Foundation works on the following solutions to truly end hunger.
Our Solutions
GROWING GRASSROOTS POWER
Growing grassroots power is at the foundation of Denzal Foundation’s approach to building and supporting effective movements. Developing supportive partnerships, rooted in trust and solidarity, and allying with grassroots leaders and organizations requires a long-term commitment to the capacity building and resourcing of grassroots actors.
SUPPORTING MOVEMENTS
Real transformations in society take place when individuals and groups, especially those who have the most at stake, build power together as they work towards common goals and a common vision of society. Social movements are expressions of a collective desire to end oppression and injustices and key in strengthening existing and emergent movements for food justice and food sovereignty.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Our vision for social justice includes a society in which all members are physically and psychologically safe and where everyone has access to the resources they need in order to fully participate, thrive, and succeed. It ensures racial, economic, environmental and health equity for all. To build social justice, Denzal Foundation works to address the root causes, such as poverty, racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression and structural inequities that create disproportionate barriers to human rights and land access for communities.
AMPLIFYING COMMUNITY VOICES
Amplifying community voices is an important part of our narrative change work to give voice to grassroots leaders seldom heard. We produce publications and stories that share the wisdom of our partners and allies’ experiences as they work towards changing the broken food system.
ADVOCATING FOR THE RIGHT TO FOOD
Framing the solution to hunger as a human right to adequate food and nutrition serves as a catalyst for systemic change and holds governments and institutions accountable when they fails to respect, protect, and fulfill the right to food for all. As a member of the Global Network on the Right to Food, we work to protect the right to food by acting in solidarity with social movements all over the world.
In India, where the right to food is not legally recognized, we use a rights-based framework as a tool to advocate. We define the right to food as: food that is physically and economically accessible; nutritionally adequate to ensure optimal health; available through dignified means, including access to resources for food production; and environmentally sustainable in how it’s produced and consumed.
Our Action Groups
1
Grassroots Action Network
The Grassroots Action Network works in partnership with students, youth, community-based leaders, organizations, home makers and networks to build a movement for a just, dignified and equitable food system. By supporting and promoting grassroots leadership, Denzal Foundation works to build capacity for community organizing and to accelerate the collective impact of community - based strategies for food justice.
2
Artists Against Hunger & Poverty
Artists Against Hunger & Poverty offers artists, the artist community and the music industry the opportunity to use their voices to support the movement to end hunger and poverty. To support innovative and effective community-based organizations fighting hunger and ensuring the right to nutritious food for all in communities all across the world.
3
Nourish Network for the Right to Food
The Nourish Network for the Right to Food works with emergency food providers, food access organizations, community health organizations and other grassroots and national allies to transform the charitable response to hunger into a more equitable and inclusive social justice movement that recognizes nutritious food as a human right.
Join the Dastarkhwan Project: Spread Love Through Food, Become a Home Volunteer!
Are you someone who believes in the power of a warm meal to nourish both the body and the soul? If you have a heart full of compassion and a desire to make a difference, we invite you to become a vital part of the Dastarkhwan Project. Join us in our mission to create resilient, united networks of communities working towards eradicating hunger and poverty, one meal at a time.
About the Dastarkhwan Project:
The Dastarkhwan Project is not just about providing a meal; it's a movement rooted in the vision of building strong and united networks and alliances of local organizations and communities. Our aim is to address the root causes of hunger and poverty, empowering those most affected by adversity to lead the charge for change.
Your Role as a Home Volunteer:
We are seeking compassionate individuals, particularly housewives and community members, to be Home Volunteers for the Dastarkhwan Project. As a Home Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in packing one cooked meal or food for single individuals, students, sick persons, and those who cannot afford to buy a meal from neighboring community areas. Your responsibilities will include:
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Meal Preparation: Prepare an extra portion of your home-cooked meal with love and care.
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Packing: Pack the meal in a clean and hygienic manner, ensuring it's ready for distribution.
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Community Connection: Foster a sense of community by contributing to the well-being of individuals who need it the most.
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Compassion in Action: Your efforts will provide nourishment and comfort to those who might be facing difficulties in accessing regular meals.
Why Become a Home Volunteer:
Being a Home Volunteer for the Dastarkhwan Project is an opportunity to translate your compassion into action. By extending a helping hand, you're contributing to a more just and equitable world where access to nutritious food is a right, not a privilege.
How to Get Involved:
To become a Home Volunteer and make a meaningful impact, please [apply via our online form / contact us at [email/phone number]]. Your involvement will help transform our collective vision into reality.
Be Part of the Change:
The Dastarkhwan Project is built on the idea that every small act of kindness matters. As a Home Volunteer, you're playing a vital role in building a movement that stands against hunger and poverty, ensuring that everyone has access to wholesome food, a supportive community, and a better future.
Thank you for being a beacon of hope and compassion in our community. Together, let's make a difference through the Dastarkhwan Project.
Join the Dastarkhwan Project: Be a Hunger-Relief Volunteer!
Are you passionate about creating positive change and contributing to a more just and equitable world? If so, we invite you to become a vital part of the Dastarkhwan Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at alleviating hunger and poverty while fostering strong, united networks of communities and organizations.
About the Dastarkhwan Project:
The Dastarkhwan Project is more than just a hunger-relief effort; it's a movement driven by the vision of resilient, strong, and united networks and alliances. Our goal is to address the root causes of hunger and poverty by building social movements that transcend borders and work towards a food system that's economically just, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive.
Your Role as a Volunteer:
We are currently seeking dedicated volunteers to join our team and play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the Dastarkhwan Project. As a volunteer, you will be involved in collecting cooked food from neighboring community areas and managing food storage. Your responsibilities will include:
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Food Collection: Coordinate with local households, restaurants, and businesses to collect surplus cooked food that would otherwise go to waste.
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Food Storage Management: Ensure proper storage and preservation of collected food, adhering to hygiene and safety standards.
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Community Engagement: Foster positive relationships within the community and raise awareness about the Dastarkhwan Project's mission and vision.
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Data Tracking: Maintain records of collected food, quantities, and distribution to ensure transparency and accountability.
Why Volunteer with Us:
By joining the Dastarkhwan Project as a volunteer, you'll be making a direct impact on hunger relief and poverty alleviation. Your efforts will contribute to building a more just food system that protects our planet, promotes economic fairness, and empowers communities.
How to Get Involved:
To be a part of this transformative movement, simply [apply via our online form / contact us at [email/phone number]]. We welcome individuals who are compassionate, committed, and eager to make a positive change in their communities and beyond.
Join Us in Creating Change:
The Dastarkhwan Project believes in the power of collective action and local engagement to create lasting change. By volunteering your time and energy, you become an essential force in building a world where everyone has access to nutritious food, clean water, sustainable livelihoods, and a brighter future.
Together, we can transform our shared vision into reality and bring about a more just and equitable world. Join us in the Dastarkhwan Project today!
Thank you for your dedication to fostering positive change and uplifting communities.
Support the Dastarkhwan Project: Donate to Establish a Dastarkhwan Booth
Dear Community Members,
We hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. We are reaching out to you on behalf of the Denzal Foundation, a committed organization dedicated to creating positive change within our community. Today, we are excited to introduce the Dastarkhwan Project, an initiative that envisions resilient, united networks and alliances working towards eradicating hunger and poverty while fostering a more just and equitable world.
About the Dastarkhwan Project:
At the heart of the Dastarkhwan Project is the belief that no one should go to bed hungry. Our goal is to establish a supportive and nourishing environment by providing easy access to home-cooked meals for individuals who need them the most. This project aims to build strong connections within our community and create a food system that nurtures not just bodies, but spirits.
Creating the Dastarkhwan Booth:
To facilitate the seamless collection, distribution, and storage of home-cooked food from neighboring community areas, we are planning to set up a Dastarkhwan Booth. This booth will be equipped with essential facilities including a refrigerator, a microwave a water dispenser, and the necessary food packaging materials. This will not only ensure the freshness and safety of the collected meals but also streamline the process of reaching those in need.
Your Support Makes a Difference:
We are reaching out to you, our generous community members, to request your support in making the Dastarkhwan Booth a reality. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of those who are struggling to access regular meals. By donating to this cause, you are contributing to a movement that addresses the root causes of hunger and poverty, working towards a world where nutritious food, clean water, and sustainable livelihoods are the rights of all.
How You Can Help:
Your support can come in many forms, and every contribution matters. Whether it's a monetary donation, in-kind support, or sharing this message within your circles, your involvement can help us establish the Dastarkhwan Booth and extend a helping hand to those in need.
To make a donation or learn more about how you can contribute, please [visit our donation page / contact us at [email/phone number]]. Every donation, no matter the size, takes us one step closer to realizing the vision of the Dastarkhwan Project.
Join Us in Transforming Lives:
Together, we can build a community where no one has to worry about going hungry, where everyone has access to nourishing food, clean water, and the support they need. The Dastarkhwab Booth is a symbol of hope, compassion, and unity, and your involvement can turn it into a reality.
Thank you for considering this plea and for being an integral part of the Dastarkhwan Project. With your support, we can bring positive change to our community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.