The Hungarian Krishna Community delivered 2,500 hot meals and gift packs, offering warmth and hope to thousands, from the homeless to struggling families.
ADVERTISEMENTThis Christmas, the Hungarian Krishna community went above and beyond, handing out more meals than ever before.
On Christmas morning, they served 2,500 hot meals, including Hungarian cabbage soup and tea, to those in need. A thousand people were given meals at local homeless shelters, while another 1,500 were served in a park in Budapest’s Nepliget district.
Along with the meals, recipients were given small gift packs, which included organic Krishna Valley pumpkins, although many others contributed additional donations.
Shoppers at local supermarkets also played a role, donating non-perishable food such as flour, chocolate and canned goods, which were collected in special baskets for the Krishna community, says one of the organizers Csilla Szilaj Péterné.
Rising housing costs, inflation and low social benefits have resulted in an increasing number of people relying on food distribution each year. The ranks now include not only the homeless, but struggling middle-class families and retirees. Many are so desperate that they are ready to wait hours in the cold for a hot meal.
The Krishna Community Christmas Feast “Food for Life” runs from December to January and reaches 10,000 people in need. After Christmas Eve, many rely on these meals, as most other organizations stop food donations until then.
Video editor • Jerry Fisayo-Bambi
