Nitaben Is Fighting Hunger In The Slums Of Gujarat By Feeding Hundreds Of Kids Every Day

“They say a woman is the one to hold a family together. But what happens to the woman who has no one to support her? These vulnerable women often endure the burden silently for the sake of their children. They beg, borrow and work for hours to feed their families as their alcoholic husbands continue to overpower them, mentally and physically,”  - Nita Thakkar, Founder, Sahelo Mahila Sangatan. 

Nita founded this organisation in 2017 in Bhuj, Gujarat after she saw families and little children suffering in the slums. For the last 6 years, the organization's main aim has been to empower women and children from the vulnerable strata of society. She and her army of 800 strong-willed women are determined to make this world a better place. 

Nitaben cooks for hours daily to ensure no child in the slums stays hungry 

In 2017, when Nitaben and her Sahelis (friends) visited the slums in and around Bhuj, they saw the suffering and the pain. The women were struggling for their families while their husbands were out doing odd jobs. Many of them were addicts who fell sick soon and were in no position to continue working. 

“In all of this, the children suffered the most. They had nothing but dry chapati to eat for days. I was shocked to see their living conditions as well. I decided to do something for them and that was how this Sangatan was formed.” 

The Sangatan (organisation) is a burning example of sisterhood among hundreds of women who want their friends to have a happy and comfortable life. They not only feed over 300 kids every day in 5 locations in Bhuj, but they also help the mothers become financially independent. 

“We help them open bank accounts, give them small loans to start their businesses, and even take care of many elderly women in the slums.” 

But Nitaben takes a lot of pride in being able to feed these slum children for the past 6 years. Cooking starts sharp at 4 PM and the food starts getting delivered by the Sahelis from 6 onwards. They cook chana, dal dhoklis, and other Gujarati delicacies. Nita says she is the happiest when she sees the kids finish their food and ask for more. 

“Nothing can beat that feeling! These kids have gone through so much - even their parents are unable to take good care of them. They’re malnourished and fall sick often, if a little effort from my side can make them so happy, I am ready to do this all my life…”

However, there are challenges and Nitaben needs your support to fulfill their dreams  

The Sangatan runs on the generous donations of several members of the organisation - that’s how it has been for the last 6 years. But now things are getting difficult. In some weeks, they can only go to the slums twice to feed or they end up borrowing from the vendors to continue the program. 

Nitaben and her team need your support to continue their feeding drive. You can donate groceries, washing powder, and plates for the children. Even a little contribution from your side will give a big boost to this organization that is striving to help hundreds of women and children.