WITH help from generous donors, the Hare Krishna Food For Life organisation has been able to feed many people in need throughout Nelson Mandela Bay and now plans to expand its services by providing food to at least 1 000 people every day.
The organisation was established in Port Elizabeth 40 years ago, but only officially opened their centre in Newton Park 17 years ago.
“We feed an average of 500 people in areas such as Helenvale, Gelvandale, Greenbushes, Missionvale, Motherwell, New Brighton, Kleinskool, Schauderville, Booysen Park and Bloemendal,” said Svetadvip Das, who is the main representative of the Iskcon and Hare Krishna Food for Life organisation.
“When I first visited these poverty–stricken areas, I realised that I needed to leave the monastery daily to give out as much food as I could. I do this out of love and care for those in need.”
Each day the organisation cooks a huge pot of breyani, which consists of 40kg of rice, oil, spices, sugar beans, lentils, and a big quantity of fresh vegetables.
They receive continuous support from the members of the Hare Krishna congregation, the Indian community in Malabar, and volunteers from various churches.
Their main donors, Gaurasundar and Vrindadevi Mothan, who have previously handed over a bakkie to the organisation, also recently donated a fully paid property to them to use for their charitable work.
With their new property, the organisation’s dream to further extend their services is finally possible.
Das said they plan to build a bigger kitchen which will allow them to feed at least 1 000 people daily and hopefully cover more areas in the Bay.
