Every year, as the festive lights twinkle and the aroma of sweets fills our homes, one thing becomes inevitable; an overflowing fridge. Boxes of mithai, hampers of dry fruits, crates of fruit baskets and treats from every direction. While it’s a sweet problem to have, a large portion of these goodies often go to waste before we even get to them.
But what if, this Diwali, you could turn that excess into something meaningful?
Instead of letting perishables expire or sweets harden in the fridge, you can share them with those who could really use the joy. Across India, several NGOs and community initiatives are working tirelessly to distribute surplus food, fruits, and festive gifts to the less fortunate. Here’s a city-wise guide to where you can donate your Diwali extras this season.
Mumbai: Where Sweetness Finds a Second Home
1. Roti Bank Mumbai
A well-known initiative that collects surplus food from individuals, restaurants, and events to feed the hungry.
π Colaba | π 91111 12345 | π rotibankfoundation.org
2. Project Mumbai
They accept packed sweets, dry snacks, hygiene kits, and small festive gifts for underprivileged communities across the city.
π Across Mumbai | π 98200 12345 | π projectmumbai.org
3. Sneha Sadan
A safe haven for street children that also welcomes donations of fruits, sweets, and small festive hampers.
π Andheri | π 022-2838 6291 | π snehasadan.org
Delhi NCR: Turn Your Surplus into Smiles
1. Feeding India by Zomato
This platform connects surplus food from households and restaurants to people in need.
π Across NCR | π 98711 78810 | π feedingindia.org
2. Goonj
Known for its work in disaster relief and rural development, Goonj accepts dry ration, reusable items, and gift hampers too.
π Sarita Vihar | π 011-41401216 | π goonj.org
3. Uday Foundation
They support hospitals and shelters, and accept fruits, dry snacks, and essential kits.
π Hauz Khas | π 98102 23422 | π udayfoundation.org
Bangalore: Sharing the Festive Glow
1. The Robin Hood Army
π Multiple areas | π DM @robinhoodarmy | π robinhoodarmy.com
2. Akshaya Patra Foundation
While best known for its school meal programme, it also welcomes donations to expand its food initiatives.
π Yeshwanthpur | π 1800-425-8622 | π akshayapatra.org
3. Aashayein Foundation
Supports underprivileged children and accepts gift packs, sweets, and essentials.
π Indiranagar | π 90355 99233 | π aashayeinfoundation.org
Chennai: Spreading Sweetness the Thoughtful Way
1. No Food Waste
Collects untouched food from homes, hotels, and events to redistribute to those in need.
π T. Nagar | π 90877 90877 | π nofoodwaste.in
2. Udavum Karangal
A long-standing NGO that accepts sweets, dry fruits, and essential festive items for those in need.
π Thiruverkadu | π 044-2627 4857 | π udavumkarangal.org
3. Sevalaya
Works with children, the elderly, and the underprivileged. Welcomes donations of festive foods and gifts.
π Pakkam | π 94446 29864 | π sevalaya.org
Kolkata: A Celebration of Light and Kindness
1. Food Army Kolkata
An active community initiative that collects food and distributes it to nearby shelters.
π Salt Lake | π 98303 22929
2. ISKCON Food Relief Foundation (Annamrita)
Supports midday meal initiatives and accepts food-related donations.
π Albert Road | π 033-4060 0677 | π annamrita.org
3. Hope Foundation
Accepts sweets, fruits, and clothes for underprivileged children and families.
π Tollygunge | π 033-2475 3168 | π hopefoundation.ie