Food Justice Initiative Launched by Sakhi for South Asian Women to Aid Survivors of Gender Violence
In the heart of New York City, the Sakhi for South Asian Women organisation has been serving survivors of gender-based violence since 1989. Recently, they expanded their services with the launch of the Food Justice Program, a unique initiative that caters to the specific needs of South Asian survivors.
The program offers both non-South Asian food and dishes cooked within the South Asian community, ensuring that clients with various needs and cultural backgrounds are catered for. Survivors can select as many dry goods and hygiene products as they need without having to ask, providing a sense of dignity and respect during a challenging time.
The Food Justice Program has received a positive response from survivors so far, with many finding it helpful in alleviating shame and providing access to basic needs. The program's offerings include dry goods like lentils and rice, and eventually spices, that can be made by adding boiling water due to the lack of cooking facilities for clients living in shelters.
Sakhi plans to expand their services to Queens and Brooklyn with two more offices respectively opening in 2020 and 2021; each will have their own Food Justice Program. The organisation hopes to see the program grow in these satellite sites with more robust options.
In a perfect world, Sakhi would like to find a partner who could provide in-kind support for the Food Justice Program over the course of six months to ensure that each location is fully stocked. Bake sales or food drives organised by individuals who donate all the money raised to the organisation would also be beneficial. Sakhi has a wish list for specific in-kind donations that they often share with individuals who are interested in supporting the program.
Beyond food justice, Sakhi offers various services such as legal assistance, transitional housing, emergency financial support, court advocacy, translation assistance, and access to medical care. The organisation's work goes beyond providing food packages and resources; they strive to create a supportive environment that respects and meets the specific dietary traditions and preferences of the South Asian community.
The Food Justice Program is currently in the process of being introduced to the community and those served by Sakhi. The community can help by offering consistent support, organising food drives, or making in-kind donations targeted towards specific needs. By doing so, they can contribute to Sakhi's mission of empowering South Asian women in New York City and helping them rebuild their lives.
[1] Source: Sakhi for South Asian Women's official website and various news articles.
- The Food Justice Program, an initiative by Sakhi for South Asian Women, offers not only non-South Asian food but also dishes from the South Asian community, catering to the diverse needs and cultural backgrounds of survivors.
- Beyond food justice, the organization provides services such as legal assistance, transitional housing, medical care, and more, aiming to create a supportive environment that respects the dietary traditions and preferences of the South Asian community.
- Sakhi seeks in-kind support or donations to strengthen the Food Justice Program, which includes dry goods like lentils, rice, and eventually spices, and organizing events like bake sales or food drives to benefit the program.
