Kerala: Restaurants That Serve Free Food During The Day & Turn Into Libraries At Night

Can you think of having food from a restaurant without paying a single Rupee? ‘Anjappam’ trust in Kerala initiated a novel concept to feed the hungry. The trust has two restaurants in Kerala – Ranni and Kozhencherry – both situated in Pathanamthitta district. The restaurant funds itself through voluntary donations by customers. It has a box kept inside where people make contributions if they want.

‘Anjappam’ was the brainchild of Fr. Bobby Jose Kattikadu, a writer and priest from the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. “The primary aim of our initiative is to feed the hungry with respect. We had set Rs 25 as the price for the meal and Rs 15 for breakfast, but we do not ask anyone to pay. Those who are willing can donate,” says Louis Abraham, PRO of Anjappam trust.

How does it function?

The trust consists of 10 members headed by president Baby Sam. Anjappam aims to build a chain of restaurants offering quality food without pocketing people. “We only provide vegetarian food and make sure that majority of the vegetables are cultivated locally without using pesticides so that we can provide quality food, good for both body and mind,” says Louis.

Louis says that they get contributions from generous people both in terms of money and physical help to run the restaurants. There is a community of people called ‘Appakoottu’, who support the trust financially and physically.

Food for soul

As an effort to feed the soul, the members of the group also encourage reading. The restaurant provides food till 6 pm and acts as a library afterwards. People from all walks are welcomed here. The restaurant in Ranni has a bookstall attached to it.

Anjappam also engaged in various other activities including counselling and assisting students in their studies.

The trust is now planning to expand its services creating more restaurant outlets in the state.

Those willing to help can contact Louis Abraham at 9495212792