Further launches a special helpline to provide instant emergency assistance
In its constant endeavour to support the most vulnerable and invisible communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, SEEDS distributed 1 million meals in 27 days of lockdown across 8 states of the country. Children in orphanages, daily wage earners, transgender communities, women-headed households, tribal families, slum dwellers, socially marginalised groups and commercial sex workers were reached out.
The organisation has also launched a special helpline +91-9821746747 to provide immediate emergency assistance so that those in dire need can get speedy help and guidance.
Talking about the impact of Covid19 on people and SEEDS initiative Manu Gupta, Co-Founder SEEDS said “It gives a good feeling to learn that the 1 million meals were able to save lives. While the pandemic is looming large, the need to save those going hungry like the underprivileged groups, people with disabilities, children in orphanage and many like these grows even more. Saving lives is extremely important. We feel humbled by the large number of people still to be reached so that no one goes hungry. It pains us to realise, 1 million is too little a number as there are many who still remain hungry and in a very difficult situation”.
SEEDS is actively working in close coordination with the administration at various levels to respond to the physical health, mental health and economic impacts of the pandemic across Delhi, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Odisha.
SEEDS follows a robust distribution process that is triangulated to verify the data received from the ground followed by a dynamic procurement and distribution process to the identified community members. The entire process is monitored by a special team right from the start to ensure seamless flow of information at each level.
Several team members of SEEDS along with trained network of volunteers are working tirelessly to serve humanity and ensure that people in most need get the essential items during this time of crisis.
Anshu Sharma, Co-founder SEEDS added “There is indeed a sense of fulfilment to have been able to mobilise distribution of 1 million meals to those in need with efforts of our supporters and teams; despite prevailing challenges of the lockdown. But as we move ahead, we are conscious of the fact that there are still many more in dire need of support. There is no denying of the fact that while collectively as a country we are looking at ending of the lockdown on May 3rd, but the hardships for these people in the bottom of the economy are not going to get over anytime soon. We are also aware that it is a long haul and we need to stand with these people till they are able to recover and stay above the dignified level of sustenance”.
Apart from reaching out to the economically weaker families, SEEDS is also committed to reaching out to the frontline health and aid workers who are disproportionately impacted by corona virus and the economic consequences of the outbreak in their time of need.
