20 new Tata food trucks intended for the free meal distribution were flagged off at a function held at the Marriott conventional hall today.
The Multiple District (MD) 320 of the International Association of Lions Clubs launched its ambitious project "Lions Free Meal on Wheels" today in Hyderabad.
20 new Tata food trucks intended for the free meal distribution were flagged off at a function held at the Marriott conventional hall today.
The trucks aim to reach out to the deprived and under-privileged masses and serve food to them free of cost.
The cost of the food trucks, their modification and frills to suit the purpose has been put at Rs 2 crore. The monthly running cost will be additional.
The required funds were raised by the Lions Multiple District 320.
Animal Husbandry Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, who was the chief guest, unveiled a signboard of the scheme from a conference hall, and Lion A P Singh, the International 3rd Vice President Endorsee of The International Association of Lions Clubs, flagged off the trucks. He was accompanied by Lions R Sunil Kumar, the Past International Director; and Lion Gurram Srinivas Reddy, Council Chairman of Multiple Districts.
IT & Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao was to flag off the trucks originally, but couldn't make it due to fever, and deputed Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav instead.
Addressing the gathering, Yadav said that the rich must cooperate and support the activities of the Lions.
Responding to the request of the Lions to help them get some land to build a kitchen to serve the project, he said that he would facilitate a meeting for them with K T Rama Rao, and assured full help and cooperation.
"It is our bounden duty to help you in your activities," he told them.
These trucks will serve meals free of cost for a minimum period of 100 days a year, to begin with, and the period may be extended in future to 365 days subject to the need and the public response.
The trucks will be plying in all the 33 revenue districts of Telangana, and will work with the support of the local Lions' Clubs and members. One truck each will be given to two districts.
Only day meals will be served. Each truck is expected to serve 300 to 500 meals a day. On the whole, the 20 food trucks will together serve 28,84,000 meals a year free of cost. In value terms, Rs 5.76 crore worth of food will be served every year to begin with.