In Thrissur, Kerala, a meaningful ritual unfolds every day as Lions from District 318D, sporting their yellow service jackets, serve a hot, nutritious lunch to nearly 500 people. The initiative, aptly named Manna, was launched in collaboration with the local Corporation with an ambitious vision: to make the city hunger-free.
Nourishing bodies and restoring dignity, the initiative has now reached its 600-day milestone of continuous service. Many recipients are elderly residents living alone, day laborers between jobs, or individuals facing temporary financial setbacks.
“We recognize that hunger isn’t just physical—it affects a person’s sense of self-worth,” explains District Governor James Valappila, whose leadership has guided the project’s growth during this Lions year. “When we serve a meal, we’re also serving respect.”
Building on this foundation, District 318D recently expanded its efforts with ‘Meals on Wheels,’ a mobile distribution service supported by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). Food prepared in the community kitchen is delivered to destitute homes, reaching those unable to travel to the main distribution site. Senior Global Grant Specialist from LCIF, Danielle Hormillose, officially inaugurated the mobile service, underscoring the alignment between Manna and Lions International’s global commitment to hunger relief.
The project has drawn the attention of both community leaders and International Lion Leaders. LCIF Chairperson PIP Dr. Patti Hill visited the project, as did Ministers from the Government of Kerala including Adv. K. Rajan (Land Revenue) and M.B. Rajesh (Local Self Government & Excise).
What began as a response to immediate need has evolved into a sustainable model of community care—showing what’s possible when service organizations and local government collaborate effectively. With each meal served, the vision of a hunger-free Thrissur grows more achievable.