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Help Swapnil keep the Open Hands Pantry pantry stocked

Help keep a free food pantry open for neighbors in need in Lucknow.

Anywhere in the world1,464 views
Swapnil M. Thakkar
Email verified
Lucknow
Since 2021, our volunteer team has run Open Hands Pantry every Tuesday from the back of a community center. We started with 22 families, and now we feed 297 each week. Donations have dropped by about 52% this harvest gap, while the line has grown every single week. We rely on volunteers - 14 of us - and keep no salaries or overhead. I buy staples at wholesale prices at the Lucknow market and keep every receipt. Each $5 feeds a family of four for a week. All of the funds go to groceries, fresh produce, and cold-storage costs. Where the $500 goes: • Fresh vegetables and fruit: $105 • Rice, beans, flour and oil (wholesale): $320 • Baby formula and diapers: $75 I hope life is good to you. - Swapnil

Updates from Swapnil

  1. Quick update: $30 raised so far (6%). the plan for rice, beans, flour and oil is now scheduled. Receipts coming as soon as I have them.

  2. Thank you all. We're at 15% now ($75). I'm honestly stunned. we've started the first stage.

  • José Raimundo Gomes 🇧🇷 · $100

    “Hope this helps. This is from my last paycheck, glad to do it. - Feira de Santana”

  • Anonymous 🇳🇵 · $50

    “Sending love. Thought of Swapnil all day after reading this. - Butwal”

  • Anonymous 🇧🇷 · $70.50
  • Meena L. Sandhu 🇮🇳 · $25
  • Grace N. Stone 🇺🇸 · $20
  • Bennett Page 🇺🇸 · $20
  • Chhaya D. Sood 🇮🇳 · $10

    “Rooting for you. Been where you are, it gets better. - Mysuru”

  • Akello Massawe 🇹🇿 · $15
  • Sebastián K. Torres 🇪🇸 · $10
  • Cláudio Felipe Dantas 🇧🇷 · $10
  • Rafał Borkowski 🇵🇱 · $10

Reviews

2.4(7 reviews)

Only people who gave to this need, or whose offer to help was accepted, can review it.

  • Solène Amélie Moulin🇫🇷Verified helper
    Exceptional service

    I was nervous about reaching out, but this person made me feel comfortable and supported from the very first interaction. Their help was invaluable.

  • Marta J. Salazar🇲🇽Verified helper
    Helped when no one else could

    I was struggling and didn't know where to turn. This person stepped in without hesitation and provided exactly what I needed. Their compassion and expertise made all the difference in my life.

  • Melanie Butler🇬🇧Verified donor
    Outstanding person

    Perfect example of someone making a real difference. They took time out of their busy schedule to help me and never made me feel like a burden.

  • Olivia D. Burton🇺🇸Verified donor
    Honest and trustworthy

    This is what community support looks like. They didn't just offer generic advice; they provided personalized help tailored to my specific situation.

  • Ezekiel C. Roberts🇳🇿Verified donor
    Made a real difference

    This helper is honest and transparent about what they can do. They didn't overpromise, but they did deliver excellent results. I would definitely trust them again.

  • Lukas Kevin Braun🇩🇪Verified donor
    Delivered on promises

    This experience has restored my faith in the goodness of people. The helper was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my outcome.

  • Sem Koen Blom🇳🇱Verified helper
    Truly grateful for the support

    The help I received was exactly what was described and more. This person follows through on their commitments and genuinely cares about making a positive impact.

Questions & comments

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  • Best of luck. Gave what I could, wish it was more. Greetings from Awka.

    • So sorry you're going through this, Swapnil. This could happen to any of us. I'm in public service myself and wanted you to know we're cheering for you. Thinking of Lucknow

      • Everyone deserves a bit of help sometimes. We had a similar scare last year, I know what it feels like. Love from San Francisco.

        • Jyoti M. MalhotraPhoto verified

          Hope things get better soon, Swapnil. This could happen to any of us. Put this on a community board in Bandung this morning. All the best.

          $340.50 raised of $500

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