For the hunger-stricken, the doors are wide open at the ‘Share Meal’ counter of Kozhikode district jail. The destitute may confidently step in and collect coupons to enjoy a meal instead of begging or throwing themselves at the mercy of wayfarers on crowded streets.
On an average, at least 40 people, including men, women and children, collect coupons from the counter daily.
“We make a difference with this free food scheme at a time when people are being beaten to death in the name of food. Within just three months of the launch of this initiative, we have managed to distribute food coupons worth ₹1.7 lakh among the poor and that too with contributions from urban residents,” says jail superintendent K. Anil Kumar.
Sponsors
He adds that the contributors mostly include people’s representatives, youth club workers and religious collectives.
Since the launch of the scheme, there has been no dearth of voluntary sponsors.
Many sponsor food coupons to observe the death anniversaries of their beloved ones. There were youth clubs and charitable institutions sponsoring coupons to mark their cultural meets and celebrations.
Mr. Anil Kumar says only the deserving depend on the ‘Food for Freedom’ counter and collect coupons. A few of them are regular visitors and we never discourage them as they have no other alternative to survive, he adds.
In Ernakulam
It was in 2016 that the ‘Share Meal’ scheme was launched by jail authorities under the leadership of Mr. Anil Kumar in Ernakulam district. The scheme was a huge success as it managed to distribute coupons worth ₹3.5 lakh in just two years.
Following the Ernakulam model, the second phase of the scheme was launched in Kozhikode on October 23, 2017.
Initially, the main supporters were those who visited the jail to meet prisoners.
The jail authorities said the participation of the public in sponsoring coupons was high in Kozhikode as the ‘Compassionate Kozhikode’ scheme earlier launched by the district administration inspired many to work for the poorer segments. Similarly, the number of beneficiaries was also high in Kozhikode.
