If Food, Then Why Not Homemade? My Community Kitchen Story During The Pandemic

Reena Chowdhury The Daisy Action Team: “Whatever we cook for our family and children, we will cook for 10 more people,” said one home chef. Emphasising, “This is the least we can do from the comfort of our homes when the doctors are risking their lives in the hospitals!”

During this pandemic, I had been working on various initiatives in tandem with several NGOs to raise funds to help migrant workers. That is when I came across Doctors Kitchen; a community initiative that was providing food to medical frontline workers – the doctors, nurses and the hospital staff - at Government hospitals, since most of the hospital canteens were closed.

And then I said to myself if food, then why not homemade food?

I approached the homemakers in my apartment with the idea that we needed to make about 200 home-cooked meals on a single day for any one day of the week. This was no easy task for them as some were working from home and most of them doing household chores with no house help. But none of these factors deterred them and they were all eager to help to make a difference. We formed a team and coined a name for ourselves --‘The Daisy Action Team(DAT)’ as we belonged to the Sobha Daisy Apartment at Bellandur, Bangalore.

40 home chefs agreed to cook at least 5 or 10 meals each. We all agreed on set menu and ensured we change the menu every week to bring in variety.

It was sheer teamwork. If someone was not able to cook that particular week someone else pitched in to take up the arduous task of cooking as many as 20 meals at one go.

Most importantly, the meals needed to be nutritious so we ensured that comprised of vegetables and pulses. We also kept in mind not to go overboard with spices and oil, yet not compromise on the taste.

“Whatever we cook for our family and children, we will cook for 10 more people,” said one home chef. Emphasising, “This is the least we can do from the comfort of our homes, when the doctors are risking their lives in the hospitals!”

The meals needed to be packed well, in easily disposable containers and labelled accurately before sending them to the hospitals. And  whenever we made extra meals we fed the homeless and the people on the streets - a small gesture that made a big difference.

When entire families pitched in

The initiative was not restricted to only the mothers as the zeal and the zest percolated down to the children too. The children also participated enthusiastically; the excitement of the little ones as they created colourful ‘Thank You labels’ was evident. Thank You messages were stuck on the lid of the containers.

The extension

Seeing the enthusiasm in my apartment complex. I thought of extending this model. I approached nine apartment complex members in Bellandur and Sarjapur Road areas. Four complexes readily agreed to provide meals for the medical staff in Government designated COVID-19 hospitals.

I explained to them the entire process of cooking, creating labels and packaging the meals for the doctors.  They were impressed that we had streamlined the entire process and appreciated the efforts that we have been putting in.

I was satisfied and elated at the same time that I was able to inspire on an average of 200 people to be part of a noble cause and make a difference during these difficult times.

200 home chefs cooked 800 meals every week

The satisfaction was unbelievable. In the beginning, I was apprehensive, but I was soon reassured by the support from my neighbours. An elated homemaker said, “Actually we were waiting to make a difference and with this initiative, you helped to bring in a lot of meaning to our lives and we eagerly look forward to cooking these meals. This activity relieved our anxiety during the stressful days of the pandemic.”

Takeaways

On reflection, I realised there is an inherent desire in every individual to do good. Therefore, everyone irrespective of age, wanted to be a part of this initiative. What also makes a difference, I realised in hindsight, is effective leadership to guide the project, to handhold and support team members something that I attempted to do at all times.

Teamwork is the pivot on which a project stands. When one member falls short, another one steps in – that’s the way the Daisy Action Team operated and that’s what made this initiative so unique.

In conclusion, I feel truly blessed to have been part of such a beautiful initiative. The happiness and satisfaction derived from this, cannot be described in words. Everyone in this endeavour is a true hero.

Reena Chowdhury is a former IT professional from Bangalore and now works in the social sector. She has been helming various endeavours over the past eight years for underprivileged children in slums and orphanages through her NGO A Little Dream.