ABOUT US
Food For Life is a global initiative started by A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Whilst in Mayapur (West Bengal, India), Prabhupada saw some children fighting with dogs over scraps of food in the bin. His heart overflowed with compassion, and thus he ordered his students that “no one within ten miles of a temple should go hungry… I want you to immediately begin serving food.”
From humble beginnings, Food For Life Global has today expanded its operations to over 150 locations around the world and is the world’s largest vegetarian food relief program. Volunteers work tirelessly to provide healthy, cruelty free, spiritually nourishing food to those in need.
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Food for Life (Wales) is a non-profit organisation established in 1999 by Tarakanatha Das, Director of Ty Krishna Cymru. Starting in Swansea, the project has grown over the years. Initially donations were only made to local charities and organisations including the Unity in Diversity Group (Swansea), The Huggard Centre (Cardiff), along with others.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, as Ty Krishna’s other services were put on hold, the focus was moved to Food For Life. The service grew exponentially during this period and we have continued to develop it since. As the demand for home deliveries reduced, we adjusted the service, opening our Food For Life Hub at The Atma Lounge Cafe, releasing free meal vouchers, and setting up mass meal distribution through other local organisations.
PROJECT NEED
Food for Life is committed to addressing the issue of food insecurity in Wales. Food insecurity is defined as the lack of access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets the dietary needs of individuals.
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Food insecurity is a significant issue in Wales that affects many individuals and families. The inability to access or afford sufficient and nutritious food on a regular basis can lead to poor health outcomes, such as malnutrition, obesity, and other chronic illnesses.
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According to recent studies, approximately 19% of households in Wales are food insecure. This is a concerning statistic, especially considering the potential long-term health effects.
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Poverty is one of the main drivers of food insecurity in Wales. A large proportion of the Welsh population lives in poverty, and many households struggle to afford a healthy and balanced diet. This is particularly true for low-income families, single-parent households, and people who are unemployed or on low wages.
The high cost of living in Wales can also contribute to food insecurity. The cost of food and other essential items can be extraordinarily high, particularly for those on low incomes, especially alongside rising rent and bills. Poor health is also a cause for concern, as people with health problems may struggle to prepare meals or eat certain types of foods, which can lead to poor nutrition and food insecurity.
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In conclusion, food insecurity is a pressing issue in Wales, particularly among low-income households. As such, there is an urgent need for food relief projects that can help address this issue by providing nutritious food to those in need.
PLANT-BASED DIET
A plant-based diet emphasises whole, minimally processed foods that are derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Here are a few reasons why a plant-based diet is a healthy and sustainable choice:
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Better health: A plant-based diet can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer. It is also associated with lower rates of obesity and improved overall health.
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Sustainability: A plant-based diet is more environmentally sustainable than a meat-based diet. It requires fewer natural resources, such as water and land, and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
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Animal welfare: A plant-based diet is a compassionate choice that reduces the demand for animal products and supports animal welfare.
Overall, a plant-based diet can be a tasty and satisfying way to improve your health, protect the planet, and contribute to a more compassionate world.
