Philanthropy
Philanthropy
For millions of people, a nutritious meal is not something they can take for granted. Hunger affects more than physical health; it can influence a child’s ability to learn, a family’s financial stability and an individual’s capacity to lead a healthy, productive life. For families already facing economic hardship, the absence of regular, nutritious food can make difficult circumstances even harder.
Addressing hunger, therefore, requires more than providing food in times of crisis. It calls for sustained efforts that make nourishment accessible to those who need it most.
This is the mission of Roti Bank Foundation , an organisation working to address hunger and malnutrition by providing freshly prepared, nutritious meals to underserved communities across India.
Founded in December 2017 under the leadership of former Maharashtra Director General of Police, Mr. Dhanushkodi Sivanandhan, Mumbai Roti Bank began by collecting surplus food from events and distributing it to vulnerable communities. In January 2020, it established its own kitchen to ensure a consistent supply of freshly cooked meals.
Today, its work extends across seven states and multiple cities, including Mumbai, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore and Cuttack. With over 31 million meals served, the Foundation has demonstrated how a focused mission, supported by sustained community participation, can make a meaningful difference.
Nourishment for Children
One of the most important aspects of Roti Bank’s work is its School Nutrition Programme, which provides nutritious meals to children in underserved communities.
Access to regular meals can make a meaningful difference to a child’s health, school attendance and ability to learn. By addressing nutritional needs, the programme seeks to create an environment in which children can participate more consistently in education and pursue better opportunities.
The initiative recognises that tackling hunger among children is not simply about addressing an immediate need. It is about supporting their development and giving them a stronger foundation for the future.
Supporting Families During Difficult Times
For families accompanying patients at hospitals and cancer centres, accessing everyday necessities can become an additional challenge. Many travel long distances for treatment and face financial pressures while caring for their loved ones.
Roti Bank provides freshly prepared, nutritious meals outside hospitals and cancer centres, helping ease some of this burden. This support offers families one less concern during an already difficult period, allowing them to focus on the care and recovery of their loved ones.
Building a Culture of Giving
Roti Bank believes that addressing hunger is a collective responsibility. Its programmes create opportunities for individuals, families and institutions to participate directly in its mission.
Through ration donation drives, volunteers and kitchen visits, donors can engage with the process of preparing and distributing meals. Individuals and families can also mark birthdays, anniversaries and other personal milestones by sponsoring meals for those in need.
The organisation works with corporate sponsors, educational institutions and NGOs, bringing together financial resources, volunteers and operational support to extend its reach. It also offers opportunities for internships and community volunteering, encouraging younger generations to participate in meaningful social initiatives.
The Power of a Meal
Roti Bank Foundation’s work offers an important perspective on meaningful philanthropy. A nutritious meal may appear to be a small intervention, but its impact can extend much further. For a child, it can support learning and development. For a family caring for a patient, it can provide relief during a difficult time. For an underserved community, consistent access to food can contribute to better health and wellbeing.
The Foundation’s journey reminds us that philanthropy does not always have to begin with large or complex interventions. Sometimes, addressing one of humanity’s most fundamental needs can be the starting point for lasting change.
At Entrust Family Office, we believe that wealth carries a responsibility beyond its preservation and growth. Supporting organisations that address essential human needs is one way families can translate their resources into meaningful social impact, while nurturing a culture of generosity and responsibility across generations.
Entrust Family Office would be happy to connect you with the Roti Bank Foundation team and support you in your philanthropic endeavours.
On giving time, giving wisely, and the causes that wait at the back of the queue Last week, Roopa Kudva made a compelling case in The Economic Times. Philanthropy, she argued, is the one large pool of capital that owes nobody a return. No investor waits for a multiple. No board waits for earnings. It […]
A 6.1% fall in the Nifty 50 in a single month is the sort of number that sharpens every family-office conversation. IT stocks fell 11%. Foreign investors sold $4.1 billion of Indian equities. Within days the RBI had raised rates, Brent had crossed $100 again, and the rupee was hovering near 96 to the dollar. […]
signup for updates
