5 Reasons to Know This Refrigerator in Kochi That Can Combat Hunger

5 Reasons to Know This Refrigerator in Kochi That Can Combat Hunger

  • 05 Apr 2016
  • FWD Admin
  • Features

Nanma Maram from Pappadavada follows the international concept of public fridges to help the hungry.

 

He would be in his late 60s. The man in his torn and shabby clothes walked slowly with the help of a stick setting eyes on a roadside restaurant. Vehicles kept rushing in the background and the city is busy getting home after work. Hardly anybody would notice this silent episode, but sometimes silence possesses deeper meanings than noise. He managed to get a firm grip on the stick to stand in front of Pappadavada restaurant, Kaloor with an innocent smile on his face. Within no time, a supplier came out and took a food parcel from 'Nanma Maram' the fridge which has been kept to store food for many like him. Chellamuthu, a native of Salem received the parcel like a treasure and offered his heartfelt gratitude by touching his bare stomach and  leaning forward.

Little did Milu Pauline, the owner of Pappadavada knew that a night ride would make such an impact in her life. It was around 3 AM in the morning and some roadside sights literally withered her heart. When many of us doze off on a cozy bed, there are some others who can't sleep out of hunger and all they could do is forage for food in drainages and waste bins. The very sight instigated a noble thought in her which has now acquired the name 'Nanma Maram'.

1. The fridge is open 24*7 to satiate anybody's hunger. Nanma Maram was launched by Cinestar Jojo George on 23rd March.

 

 

2. The Nanama Maram is open to the public and anyone can access it to get food or water for free. This will help the multitude of homeless and needy especially in this blistering summer. Take food from the fridge, no questions asked.

 

 

3. The public can add donate food and drink to be kept in the fridge. The packages have to be labelled with the items and date. So if you have excess food from home or a function, you can do some good instead of throwing it out. Take care not to put spoilt food or torn packets.

 

 

4. Pappadavada itself provides around 100 food packets a day. The restaurant that serves Malayalee snacks and drinks, is an active part of the great initiative from its founder.

 

 

5. The urban fridge is an international concept. The Solidarity Fridge (Spain), Foodsharing (Germany), Free.go (USA) have been making news since last year. Minu has been receiveing support from a lot of places for her initiative.

 

It was on January 2014 that Minu gave up her job at Citibank to follow her passion to experiment something different and Pappadvada, a modern take on the local teashop, on MG road was opened. Two years time isn't a small journey to veer off  for another daring attempt and Pappadavada branch opened at Kaloor, along with a fridge of goodness. "Initially we thought of keeping around 50 food packets everyday and fortunately now we are capable of providing more than 100 a day. Very soon, we will make provisions to include water bottles also for which I have started enquiring about any dealers who would provide bottles on wholesale basis. Now we

give them mineral water." said Minu. “Money is yours,” she told The Huffington Post. “But resources belong to society. That’s the message I want to send out. If you’re wasting your money…you’re wasting society’s resources.” In addition to the efforts from their team, an entire city is coming forward to support and ensure that they will eradicate food wastage and feed a couple of starving stomachs. "I see many people bringing well packed fresh fruits and other food so that the goodness tree remains in bloom", she added.

Check out Pappadavada at http://www.wtzupcity.com/kochi/food/pappadavada-an-ethnic-tea-shop-

Words by: Neethu Parvathy S

Photos by: Sreejith

 

The thoughts and opinions expressed here are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of WtzupCity.com.

 


 

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