BREADS participates in initiative to provide “Food at Home” for people with COVID-19 too weak to cook for themselves

(MissionNewswire) The Salesian Province of Bangalore in India continues to support communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The second wave of COVID-19 is having a devastating impact on the country and more needs to be done to help those in need. BREADS, the planning and development office for the Salesian Province of Bangalore, was highlighted by the Indian news agency NDTV, which detailed the ongoing initiatives of the organization.

BREADS, in collaboration with other nongovernmental organizations, recently launched a “Food at Home” initiative to help those who are quarantining at home but don’t even have the energy to cook for themselves. People with mild symptoms of COVID-19 isolate at home because the hospital system is overwhelmed.

Fresh and nutritious meals are provided free of charge to patients in home isolation and their families. The food is cooked in various kitchens around the city and delivered to their home, both for lunch and dinner. Those delivering the food take all precautions to ensure their health and safety.

Rehana, a young recipient of the initiative, explained that she and her parents were so weak they couldn’t even move. People were afraid to approach their door, and they didn’t know how to ask for help. Then a friend told her about the home delivery initiative. She said, “At first I was hesitant, but for me and my family it was fundamental help that we needed.”

The work of Salesians in Bangalore does not end here. There are 17 Salesian institutions active in the fight against the virus. The services offered include the delivery of food rations, administration of vaccines, blood donation, distribution of masks and other personal hygiene products, psychological support and even aid in organizing the funerals.

In addition, the Salesian-run KISMAT is helping migrants with food kits, psychological counseling, organization of return trips and hospital assistance. KISMAT has pledged to pay migrants their unpaid wages and to guarantee housing and educational support for immigrant students. To raise awareness among the population, KISMAT has created educational posters and videos to explain the causes and effects of COVID-19.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22 percent of the country lives in poverty. About 31 percent of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.

Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – India – Fight against Covid-19 in Bangalore Province

BREADS Bangalore

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India