Annakshetra

About Annakshetra

Annakshetra is an NGO based at Jaipur and fighting for Zero Food Wastage.

Annakshetra was established in November 2010 by Centre for Development Communication (CDC) at Jaipur, India. Annakshetra Foundation Trust is a not-for-profit organization. It collects unused surplus food from the ceremonies once they are over (much of which would otherwise be wasted) and makes it available to those in need through a network of volunteers. It is the first organizations of its kind in India, which has taken up an initiative towards “Zero Food Wastage.” Annakshetra’s motive is that highest priority should be given to reduce food wastage. With the booming economy and lifestyle changes, numbers of social functions in India are growing both in terms of volume and extravagance. Weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties and even socio-religious functions are the occasions where many people display their wealth, social status and standing in the society. In certain weddings and functions, more than 10,000 people are invited at the receptions and 300 to 350 dishes are served. It is impossible for anyone to taste this wide array of dishes, as a result lot of food is wasted. It amounts to loss of valuable resources and individual’s money while on the other hand there are workers and laborers who work hard but still don’t get proper two square meals. In the event of food surplus, the best option is to re-use this food by donating and feeding the vulnerable members of the society. Where re-use is not possible, recycling and recovery should be pursued: by-product recycling, anaerobic digestion and composting.