1 Million Meals study

by Group for Lean & Rapid Action Research (GLAR)

1 Million Meals collaborated with leading independent researchers in three states to measure the early impact of quick food distribution immediately after the lockdown.

We conducted half a dozen lean surveys in the impacted communities of Dharampura, Najafgarh in Delhi Munshiganj, Sonagachchi & Topsia in Kolkata and Forbesganj in Araria, Bihar.

Evaluation

The impact of unconditional food distribution on victims of sex-trafficking in four areas in India during Covid-19 Crisis.

Method

We used rapid action research (lean survey methods) to measure our impact and answer public policy questions. The questions were to assess outcomes related physical, psychological, and economic well-being of the food relief during the lockdown. We also examined a number of design questions such as quality of food, amount of food, cooked vs uncooked food, periodicity, and what should the food be composed of and whether to give them to men or women.

We will do an end line survey after 100 days to check the benefit of our short-term food distribution and understand what the best intervention is in the long-term, from the point of view of victims of sex-trafficking.

researchers

(Aishawarya Mukhopadhyay), (Priya Tewari) and (Gayatri Sreedharan) led by Ruchira Gupta

Findings

2. Food distribution had a positive impact on women.
   1. Reduced hunger and ensured survival.
   2. prevented extortion by money lenders
   3. Saved assets like jewelry from being sold or pawned
   4. Prevented depression and reduced anxiety.