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A perfect platform for Hunger Free Bharat to connect with the hearts and minds of millions, The Restaurant Cricket League (RCL) redefines cricket’s role from a source of entertainment to a driver of societal change and demonstrating the transformative power of sport for collective action.
Cricket, with its unparalleled reach, will amplify Hunger Free Bharat’s core mission of alleviating hunger, reducing food wastage, and promoting sustainable food practices. Through RCL’s wide-reaching platform, Hunger Free Bharat aims to raise awareness and inspire participation in creating a hunger-free India. By blending the passion for cricket with a commitment to cultural celebration and social impact, this movement embodies the spirit of transformation.
Together, Hunger Free Bharat and RCL are creating a powerful legacy—one where cricket not only entertains but also empowers, unites, and drives meaningful change for a better and sustainable future.
India stands at a critical juncture, embodying a paradox of being one of the world's largest food producers while grappling with pervasive hunger and food insecurity. The nation produces a staggering variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables, contributing significantly to its economy. Yet, nearly 200 million Indians go to bed hungry every night, and 74 million people—5.4% of the global hungry population—face chronic hunger daily.
The impact on vulnerable populations is profound: over 33.4 million children under five are malnourished, with 17.2 million severely affected. Additionally, nearly 40% of pregnant women suffer from anemia, perpetuating a cycle of intergenerational malnutrition.
Ironically, this crisis exists alongside monumental food wastage. India wastes an estimated 68.8 million tons of food annually, valued at approximately ₹792,000 crores ($11.04 billion). This includes daily wastage of 1.8 lakh tons, enough to feed millions every day. Urban households, post-harvest losses, and inadequate storage and transport infrastructure are significant contributors, with 16% of fruits and vegetables and 10% of cereals lost before they reach consumers.
Hunger and food wastage are not merely social or humanitarian issues—they are national challenges that undermine health, education, productivity, and economic growth. Addressing these issues is imperative for a sustainable and equitable future.
Hunger Free Bharat was born out of the pressing need to address this dual crisis of hunger and waste. It envisions a nation where food security is a fundamental right, waste is minimized, and communities thrive with dignity and opportunity. By combining innovative solutions with grassroots participation, Hunger Free Bharat aims to bridge the gaps in food production, distribution, and consumption. It leverages the collective power of industries, communities, and individuals to ensure that no citizen is left behind. Anchored in the values of compassion, efficiency, and sustainability, this initiative is poised to be a transformative force in achieving a Hunger-Free India by 2030.
Hunger Free Bharat aims to address the complex dimensions of hunger and food security through a multi-pronged strategy:
1. Food Redistribution Infrastructure: Building an expansive network of food banks, refrigerated fleets, and cutting-edge technology to collect and redistribute surplus food efficiently.
2. Empowering Communities: Transitioning from handouts to empowerment by integrating job creation, skills training, and livelihood opportunities into its framework, ensuring long-term sustainability.
3. Raising Public Consciousness: Driving behavioural change through campaigns on sustainable food consumption and the socio-economic costs of food wastage.
4. Collaboration for Impact: Partnering with successful public and community initiatives to amplify existing efforts, ensuring that every initiative contributes to a larger ecosystem of change
Hunger Free Bharat is not merely about feeding the hungry—it is about systemic change. It envisions a nation where hunger is eradicated, where food is revered as a shared resource, and where no citizen is left behind. Through this initiative, India is not only addressing immediate hunger but also paving the way for a Hunger-Free, Viksit Bharat that aligns with the vision of Zero Hunger by 2030 and the broader goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. In Hunger Free Bharat lies the promise of a nation that nourishes its people, safeguards its future, and inspires the world.
Cricket in India is more than a sport—it’s a unifying force, a shared passion that transcends boundaries, bridging the vast diversity of the nation. The Restaurant Cricket League (RCL), with 16 state teams, is thus not just about competition; it’s a celebration of India’s unparalleled cultural and culinary diversity. Each state team becomes an ambassador of its local heritage, showcasing its unique cuisines, art forms, music, and traditions through vibrant food and cultural festivals held alongside the matches. These festivals transform the tournament into a family-friendly extravaganza, blending the thrill of cricket with an immersive cultural experience.
The league’s 16 state teams symbolize the strength of unity in diversity, highlighting the shared responsibility of all Indians to address critical issues like hunger and food wastage.
By intertwining cricket with culture, RCL celebrates the richness of Indian states, offering spectators more than just a game. Families and visitors can enjoy an engaging environment filled with local cuisines, traditional music, vibrant art, and storytelling. This unique integration fosters a sense of community, spreading awareness about food security and sustainability while inspiring grassroots action.
