Tzu Chi Resumes Warm Meals for the Needy in Nepal

Bhikkhu Maitri's explanations dissolved the volunteers' lingering concerns and doubts, providing them with answers one by one. (Photo by Goh Lam Kia; Nepal; 2023/7)

In October 2022, the International Buddhist Society (IBS) Clinic in Nepal suspended its "Love-Filled Lunch" program. Since then, volunteers from the Tzu Chi Foundation in Malaysia and Singapore have been eagerly awaiting the chance to resume this heart-warming initiative. Their goal is to provide a hot meal for patients visiting the clinic.

Driven by the efforts of Malaysian volunteers Wang Qi Zhen (王綺楨) and Hong Siew Ling (方繡凌), the Love-Filled Lunch initiative has been revived. Following a charitable meeting, they actively planned and coordinated providing hot meals to IBS patients. Basu Dev Puswan, the food supplier, and five local women enthusiastically joined in the discussions and how to plan the meals.

Upon learning that Tzu Chi intended to reheat meals for IBS patients, food supplier Basu Dev Puswan (in a light green T-shirt) enthusiastically invited five women to cook and join the meeting together. (Photo by Goh Lam Kia; Nepal; 2023/7)

Recognizing the happiness of the villagers, the volunteers reached a consensus during the meeting to prepare and cook lunches at the Lumbini Hall and then transport them to the IBS for distribution. Through everyone working together, the kitchen utensils and dining sets were thoroughly cleaned and readied for the relaunch.

On the first day of the Love-Filled Lunch initiative, volunteers worked with local women to prepare delicious meals, which were then distributed in front of the IBS dining hall. Although minor challenges arose, they were overcome as everyone grew accustomed to the process.

Under a large tree on the stone steps and the benches in front of the restaurant, villagers savored their meal with delight. In the village, not everyone has eggs every day, so having eggs brought smiles to everyone's faces. (Photo by Raj Kumar; Nepal; 2023/7)

As time passed, the lunch distributions became smooth. The volunteers developed an understanding of the patients' needs and began considering ways to promote healthier eating habits.

Gradually, the volunteers passed the responsibility for the Love-Filled Lunch initiative to local volunteers, particularly Uma Kumari Mourya and the five village women. They inherited the spirit of the volunteers before them; they continued to provide assistance to the less fortunate and foster a positive outlook for their community, echoing the wishes of the Buddha.