With nearly a decade of unwavering service, the No Food Waste NGO has become a beacon of hope for the underprivileged, fueled by the dedication of its volunteers and the generosity of its donors. In an exclusive interaction with The Pioneer, Rtn. Dr. K Venkata Murali, director-Telangana of the organisation, offers a closer look at the challenges, triumphs and the collective effort that keeps this noble cause thriving.
Tejal Sinha
In a world where hunger and inequality remain persistent challenges, organisations like No Food Waste stand as beacons of hope and compassion. Led in Telangana by Rtn. Dr. K Venkata Murali, this remarkable NGO has spent nearly a decade ensuring that excess, untouched food from events, hotels and homes finds its way to those who need it most. But the work of No Food Waste doesn’t stop there—it extends its helping hands to encompass education, healthcare and livelihood support, transforming countless lives along the way. Dr. Murali and his dedicated team of volunteers exemplify the power of community, proving that a collective effort can create meaningful change, one meal and one act of kindness at a time.
For the past seven to eight years, the organisation has been making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals. The organisation operates with the mission of redistributing untouched, excess food from events, hotels and residences to those in need.
Dr Murali elaborated to us on the ethos and evolution of No Food Waste. “The main concept is to collect untouched, excess food and deliver it to nearby hunger spots or to people in need. Over the years, we’ve identified additional needs like medical support, education and livelihood assistance, and extended our efforts to help in these areas as well,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey of the NGO, he expressed immense satisfaction. “Our volunteers have been instrumental in identifying genuine needs and ensuring that the help reaches the right people. The dedication of our team is commendable, and we owe much of our success to them,” he noted.
However, the path hasn’t been without its challenges. “The primary challenge has always been finding committed volunteers and accurately identifying genuine beneficiaries. When something is offered for free, many claim to be in need. It requires thorough due diligence to ensure the resources reach the truly deserving,” he explained.
Managing the redistribution of cooked food presents another set of difficulties. “Cooked food has a very short shelf life—just two to three hours. It’s crucial to deliver it before it becomes unusable. Identifying nearby hunger spots was tough initially, but now we have mapped over 550 spots in Hyderabad and across Telangana, enabling us to respond quickly,” he said.
The NGO has strategically divided Hyderabad into seven zones for better food distribution. Hunger spots have been identified across areas like Bala Nagar, Moti Nagar, Abids, ECIL and many others. “We’ve ensured that wherever donors are located, there is a nearby hunger spot to bridge the gap swiftly,” he added.
He also addresses other pressing needs. Under medical support, the NGO provides items like oxygen concentrators, wheelchairs, hospital beds and medicines. “One notable case involved a student who, after a serious accident, required a specialised hospital bed to recover over four months. We provided the bed free of charge, which not only helped him but has since benefited other patients as well.”
In education, the NGO assists with examination fees, college fees, laptops, mobile devices for online learning and books. Regular food distribution efforts include providing cooked meals to 1,500-1,800 people daily from two community kitchens, as well as distributing dry rations and seasonal necessities like blankets and fruits.
The success of No Food Waste is made possible through partnerships and individual donors. “The Rotary Club of Hyderabad North and Rotary District 3150 have been among our most consistent supporters for the past five years. Whenever a necessity arises, they are always the first to respond,” he acknowledged. He also praised individual donors who consistently step forward to help bridge the gap between resources and needs.
With Christmas and New Year approaching, they have planned several initiatives. “We are conducting blanket drives, distributing cakes and planning a special food distribution on New Year’s Day. For us, every day is a day of service, and celebrations mean ensuring others have what they need,” said Dr. Murali.
He further emphasised that the efforts of No Food Waste would not be possible without the generosity of donors and the dedication of volunteers. “We see ourselves as a bridge between donors and the needy. Our volunteers and the people who trust us with their contributions are the true heroes of this journey,” he concluded.
No Food Waste continues to shine as an exemplary model of community service, proving that a committed team can indeed create a world where fewer people go hungry.
