In the sultry evenings of Kolkata, a novel initiative is making a significant impact on hunger and food waste. The Food ATM initiative, a brainchild of the non-profit organisation Kolkata We Care, is at the forefront of this movement. At approximately 11:30 p.m. on a recent July night, the city’s monsoon quiet is interrupted by an urgent call to the organisation. A local banquet hall has surplus food that needs immediate collection. A volunteer promptly responds, collecting the food and delivering it to the Food ATM at CIT Road, which is then filled to capacity with the surplus.
The Food ATM initiative, which aims to combat the dual challenges of hunger and food wastage, has gained momentum since its relaunch in June. The concept traces back to 2017, when one of the co-founders of the Sanjha Chulha restaurant chain noticed the frequent occurrence of uneaten food left behind by diners. This realisation sparked the idea of creating a food bank to repurpose this surplus into a resource for those in need. Initially, a refrigerator was set up outside their restaurant, dubbed the ‘Food ATM’. As the concept evolved, the need for a more structured approach became evident. In March 2024, Kolkata We Care was established to formalise and expand this initiative. The organisation’s mission is to create a sustainable system where excess food from various sources, including restaurants and events, can be redirected to feed the city’s hungry while simultaneously reducing food waste.
The Food ATM initiative not only addresses immediate food security needs but also fosters a sense of community responsibility towards food management. By involving more stakeholders and increasing the number of Food ATM locations, Kolkata We Care aims to make a substantial difference in the fight against hunger and wastage. This initiative exemplifies a practical and compassionate approach to a pervasive issue, demonstrating how innovative solutions can effectively tackle urban challenges while promoting social welfare.
