Youth MP of Indian origin, Aryaveer Baljee, teams up with MW Eat to establish a sustainable network of food banks.
Chowing Down for a Cause: A Unique Fundraiser for Food Banks
- Hockey with MW Eat J teams up with Innova@ve Dining in a Charitable Venture for Food Banks*
A mouthwatering partnership is brewing between MW Eat, the culinary powerhouse behind favorites like Amaya, Veeraswamy, Chutney Mary, and Masala Zone, and Hampshire's Youth MP, Aryaveer Baljee. Together, they've cooked up an innovative plan called Pounds 4 Plates, an initiative designed to deliver a steady stream of funds to food banks across the UK and India.
Aryaveer Baljee with Ranjit Mathrani, cofounder of MW Eat Ltd
You might know Aryaveer Baljee as the grandson of the esteemed Chander K Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director of Royal Orchid Hotels, or perhaps as the son of Arjun Baljee, President of Royal Orchid Hotels. After witnessing the success of the pilot project launched by Aryaveer, he's setting his sights on expanding the initiative to India under the banner #Paisas4Plates.
From April 14th to April 28th, 2025, patrons at MW Eat restaurants will have the opportunity to make a difference simply by dining out. A small 0.25% service charge will be added to the bill, with all proceeds being donated to The Winchester Beacon, a charity focused on homelessness and food insecurity.
This ingenious partnership marks the beginning of a potential nationwide movement, as envisioned by Aryaveer Baljee.
"I'm convinced that hospitality is more than just serving people; it serves as a connector. It brings people together, stimulates employment, lifts communities, and fosters understanding between cultures. In a world teetering on divisions, a simple welcome has the power to prove a mighty force for good. In this case, the hospitality industry is stepping up to help tackle homelessness - an issue I vowed to address, as part of my platform, upon being elected as Youth MP in 2024."
This mission-driven initiative proves that the hospitality industry is capable of contributing to social causes without dampening the dining experience.
While the specifics of #Paisas4Plates in India remain to be seen, the Pounds 4 Plates initiative in the UK has already proven its prowess, raising over £3,000 for The Winchester Beacon. Traditionally, initiatives like these involve engaging the public through food-related events or campaigns, with the aim of raising awareness and funds for food banks. Although details concerning the methods and goals of the initiatives are scarce at present, the future looks promising for these collaborative efforts.
So, the next time you're craving a delectable meal, consider it an opportunity to do some good while feeding your appetite. Bon appétit, change-makers!
- Aryaveer Baljee, inspired by the success of the Pounds 4 Plates initiative, plans to expand the charity program to India, rebranding it as #Paisas4Plates.
- The hospitality industry is gathering momentum for a nationwide movement, aiming to tackle food insecurity and homelessness through charitable ventures like Pounds 4 Plates and #Paisas4Plates.
- Social media platforms can be leveraged to publicize and support such initiatives, encouraging more people to dine out with the knowledge that their contribution helps those in need.
- The entertainment industry could potentially collaborate with such charitable efforts on special events, bringing attention to food banks and the issues they address.
- As policy-and-legislation makers consider their platforms and agendas, the success of Pounds 4 Plates and #Paisas4Plates offers an example of how the private sector can make a difference, addressing issues like food insecurity and homelessness.
