Michelin starred chef joins US mission to help out city’s legendary tiffin carriers and TV industry.
After distributing over 14 million meals in 135 cities across India, New York-based celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has now come to the aid of Mumbai’s legendary dabbawalas, whose livelihood has been threatened by the covid-19 pandemic.
Joining hands with the US consulate in Mumbai, Michelin Starred Chef handed over 100,00 kilograms of supplies to 2,000 dabbawalas, who deliver mid-day meals to Mumbaikars across the sprawling metropolis with Six Sigma efficiency, and 3,000 television industry staff Friday.
Khanna started the #FeedIndia movement in April to lift the spirits of people and help them during the covid crisis. It so far has distributed 14+ million meals and food kits across 135 cities including Varanasi, Bengaluru, Mangalore, Kolkata, and Mumbai, among others.
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Khanna and his #FeedIndia initiative were joined by US Consul General David J. Ranz in handing over food and other items to the distressed through Cine And TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) at an event hosted by the Hyatt Regency hotel in Mumbai.
The event was set to include key dignitaries from the dabbawalla community along with those who have taken the responsibility of distributing vitally needed supplies on behalf of the community.
The event was curated by Maximus Collabs, who has been associated with Khanna for all major drives under the #FeedIndia campaign, according to a media release from the US mission in India.
“Chef Vikas Khanna‘s #FeedIndia initiative is providing vital support to thousands of families in need,” said US Consul General David J. Ranz.
“I am immensely proud to be part of such a wonderful campaign, which has brought food and other basic supplies to so many people during this tough time,” he said.
“I started this initiative two months back and I am glad the US Consul General has joined us today, so we can reach out to more people,” said Khanna.
“I am very thankful to him for extending and helping dabbawalas and TV industry staff,” he said. “We hope to work together for this initiative and serve meals to those in need.”