CORE and The American Red Cross Provide Critical Food Assistance to At-Risk Communities in India

Press Release

CORE and The American Red Cross Provide Critical Food Assistance to At–Risk Communities in India

LOS ANGELES – October 2023 – CORE (Community Organization Relief Effort), with generous support from the American Red Cross, has provided 5,500 meal kits to vulnerable communities across India this summer. A collaboration with local partners, this vital program benefits communities who have faced severe economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The American Red Cross grant, totaling $243,500, builds upon a previous partnership with CORE earlier this year to address food insecurity in India, which suffered a 27.1% unemployment rate during the pandemic. Today, 21.25% of the country’s 1.4 billion population, lives on less than $1.90 a day.

CORE reached approximately 27,500 people living on the outskirts of the cities of Pune and Delhi with food kits, providing families with much-needed sustenance. Each of the food kits contains a mix of ready-to-cook and non-perishable items, supplying enough food for a family of five for up to a month.

A community member carries her food kit from the site of a distribution of 315 food kits to slum residents of Mula Road Pune on August 18, 2023.

Registration during a distribution of 200 food kits to brick kiln workers in the Wagholi neighborhood of Pune on August 17, 2023.

The food distribution program assisted those susceptible to food insecurity, including individuals living with HIV and cancer, as well as construction and migrant workers who were particularly affected by the economic impact of the global pandemic.

This crucial grant allowed CORE to further its mission in India, which began with its COVID-19 response. By supplying vulnerable individuals and families with essential meals, CORE aims to promote better health outcomes, ensuring a brighter future for those served.

“The American Red Cross’s continued support through this grant has been vital to CORE’s programs in India,” said Mathew Chandy, Vice President of Programs, CORE. “This partnership is a step forward in addressing food insecurity, especially for vulnerable slum communities.”

“American Red Cross is proud to partner with CORE to help vulnerable communities in India impacted by COVID-19. Our partnership assessing, targeting, and distributing essential aid to those facing food insecurity speaks to the heart of our work and our ability to help people in need.” Colin Chaperon, American Red Cross, Global Response Lead, COVID-19.

Recipients pass the line of those waiting during CORE’s distribution of 400 food kits to vulnerable communities living in the outskirts of Pune on August 25, 2023. CORE Photo by Harshvardhan Magdum

Construction workers wait in line at a distribution in the eastern Pune neighborhood of Wagholi, an area CORE had previously done COVID-19 vaccination work. On July 10, 2023, CORE distributed 250 food kits targeting migrant workers.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About CORE

Founded by Sean Penn and Ann Lee, CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) is a global crisis response organization that brings immediate aid and long-term recovery solutions to underserved communities. When a crisis strikes, CORE responds immediately to fill gaps, mobilize resources, and establish trust and collaboration from within communities. CORE has played a pivotal role in providing critical relief to marginalized and vulnerable populations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine as it continues its mission of empowering communities in and beyond crises worldwide. More information: www.coreresponse.org and follow CORE on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.