An Orthodontist Who Has Installed A Community Fridge To Feed The Hungry

Dr Issa Fathima Jasmine, an orthodontist from Chennai, installed a Community fridge in Besant Nagar on 20 August to curb food wastage and provide it to the ones in need. In a country where 30 crore people sleep hungry every day, this initiative is praiseworthy.

Issa has taken her cause ahead by launching the campaign #happyplatechennai on 16 October – World Food Day. “It is an awareness campaign to commemorate World Food Day. This campaign is to spread awareness about food wastage. Every single morsel needs to be counted,” said Dr Fathima, speaking to The Logical Indian.

Dr Issa Fathima Jasmine inaugurated the Ayyamitu Unn project in the Besant Nagar, Chennai. “In English, it means ‘Share the food with the needy before you eat’,” she said.

She installed the community fridge near the Tennis Court at Besant Nagar. Any person can donate fruits, biscuits and cooked food which can be accessed by the needy or underprivileged.

Adjacent to the fridge is a cupboard where people can donate books, shoes, clothes and other utilities. This community fridge is open to all from 7 am to 9 pm. People need to mention their name along with what food they donate. They also have to write the manufacturing and expiry date of the donated item.

“When I asked people, some said that they finish their food while others said that they have a habit of leaving the last bite on the plate. I have encouraged people to post pictures of empty plates so that not even a single morsel is wasted. Even in cafeterias, people are only ordering what they want.” She said.

On asking how she felt after offering food to needy children, she answered emotionally, “Only you will know when you go there and hand food to a someone in need. Even a small grain you waste is a significant need for them.”

She also told us about how her campaign received praises from across the world. “Lot of people call us from abroad praising our step. They also contribute to our campaign and say that this should also happen in their country too.”

Till now #happyplatechennai feed to 500 needy families as told by Dr Issa Fathima Jasmine. An orthodontist by profession, Dr Issa she gives 8 hours daily to her this initiative and has left her job.

The Logical Indian community applauds the initiative taken by Dr Issa Fathima jasmine for the ones in need across Chennai. Her project will also act as a model for other states to take inspiration from. We hope that she succeeds in this endeavour and continues her good work.

This article has been written by Amit Pandey.