SLC-S29/W2-“Thinking and Ideas!| Simple Solutions to Big Problems!

There are many problems around us that we constantly sigh at. We wonder why the government is not doing anything or why no big organization is coming forward. But I think that instead of always waiting for a big solution, we should take small steps from our own place. In today's competition, I want to talk about a topic that we see almost every day and which touches my conscience a lot. That is, food waste and the cries of hungry people in front of our eyes. My idea today is not a technology-based app or anything complicated, but rather it is a simple solution based on human compassion.

Problem Selection

I have chosen as my topic: "Food waste and hunger at social events."

A few days ago, I went to a wedding. Magnificent arrangements, all kinds of food. But what I saw at the end of the event made me very sad. After the guests left, it was seen that there was a lot of food left in huge containers. And finally, the place of that food was in the dustbin. However, outside the gate of that community center, some uprooted people and street children were sitting in the heat of hunger. Then I thought to myself, what a loss it would have been if the food had been given to these hungry people instead of throwing it in the dustbin.

This is not just a picture of my area; it is a big problem all over the world. On the one hand, we are wasting food because it will become "stale", on the other hand, someone is struggling for a handful of rice. We do not need rocket science to eliminate this inequality; we just need a little goodwill.

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Proposed Simple Solution

I would like to name my proposed solution— "The Basket of Kindness".

This is not an app or a website. It is an area-based volunteer chain system. Its working method is very simple:

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• Form a volunteer team: I want to form a team where there will be a group of 5-10 young people in each area. Their job will be to liaise with the community centers or big restaurants in the area.

• Schedule and collect: At the end of the wedding ceremony or party (say around 10 or 11 pm), when the guests leave, the decorators or chefs usually throw away or spoil the leftover food. Our volunteers will arrive at that time. They will collect not stale or spoiled food, but good food that has not been touched in the pan, in tiffin boxes, or large containers.

• Immediate distribution: These foods will not be kept in the refrigerator or stored for the next day. Within 30 minutes of collection, they will be distributed in rickshaws or vans to people sleeping in the nearby slums, railway stations, or sidewalks.

This will be done completely manually. To do this, no technology is needed; just some tiffin boxes, a van, and a few people are needed.

Who will benefit? (Beneficiaries)

If this small idea of ​​mine is implemented, three parties will benefit the most:

Helpless and hungry people: The poor people on the sidewalks, or those who cannot eat two meals a day. Those who go to bed without eating at night will get at least one good quality nutritious meal. They will smile.

Organizing families: Those who are organizing the event will save a lot of money by avoiding food. Moreover, the peace of mind and blessings they will receive when the food they buy with their money reaches the stomachs of poor people is priceless.

Environment: We all know that rotten food pollutes the environment and produces methane gas. Preventing food waste will also save the environment.

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Challenges or Limitations

When doing any good work, one has to face some obstacles. There may be some challenges in this idea as well:

• Maintaining the quality of food: Food spoils quickly in hot weather. So the time between the end of the event and its distribution is very important. If there is a delay, the food may spoil, and people may suffer from stomach aches.

• Transportation problems: Sometimes the event ends late at night. At that time, it can be difficult to find a car or rickshaw to transport the food.

• Social Shame: Sometimes organizers feel ashamed about donating leftover food or what people will think. Changing this mindset is a big challenge.

Finally, friends, I want to say that if we extend our humanitarian hand without looking at technology, then it is possible to solve many big problems. My "Mamatar Kushi" organization may not be able to eliminate the hunger of hungry people all over the world, but if it can feed at least 10 people in my area at night, that will be my greatest achievement. The change in the world does not start with a huge revolution; it starts with small humanitarian initiatives.

How did you like my plan and initiative? I hope you like it and like it. You can also create such an organization if you want.

I invited my friends join us this weekend challenge:- @franyeligonzalez @edgargonzalez @ikwal @adeljose @solperez @ninapenda @ripon0630 @suboohi @josevas217 @solaymann @nainaztengra @frafiomatale