Food scarcity is one of the biggest problems countless numbers of people have to face globally. Did you know that in 2021 alone, 10.1% or 13.5 million Americans were food-insecure?
To combat a small portion of that, Hindu Swaymsevak Sangh, in collaboration with over 50 Hindu and Indian organizations, hosts a food drive every year during the festival of Diwali.
The food drive was named Sewa Diwali because it pertains to the Hindu festival.
Sewa Diwali is an initiative by Dharmic communities, individuals and organizations like yoga, spiritual, Hindu/Buddhist/Sikh/Jain centers, temples, Gurudwaras, linguistic and Indian socio-cultural organizations who believe in the Sewa Dharma, i.e. service to humanity is service to divinity.
These organizations recently made their second donation in 2022 to a local food pantry, Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry. They donated 2,900 pounds of food to the pantry. The pantry strives to help the community by giving free food for people in need. According to the website, its mission is to, “To help end local hunger by ensuring everyone has access to enough nourishing food, thereby helping our overall community stay healthy and productive.”
In addition to the food donation at the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry, these organizations made a third donation of 3,100 pounds of food to the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry in Aurora. Diane Renner, executive director, was elated to see HSS’s donation. She stated, “We are so thrilled to receive over 3,000 pounds of food from Sewa Diwali. We are so delighted to be selected and honored with the collections of food from this festival.”
The city of Aurora recognized Sewa Diwali at the city hall. Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin gave a proclamation to HSS and the participating organizations to commend their selfless efforts in the true spirits of Diwali. Clayton Muhammad, Chief Communications & Equity Officer, states, “We recognize the Sewa Diwali Food drive, led by HSS and partnering organizations.”
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA is a 501(c)(3), voluntary, non-profit, social, educational, and cultural organization. Sangh, as the organization is popularly known, aims to coordinate the Hindu American community to practice, preserve, and advance ideals and values of Hindu Dharma.
HSS conducts regular values-based education programs for children, youth and adults through more than 220 branches nationwide. We also organize service activities and community outreach projects.
Through our regular educational programs based on Dharma, we instill and promote discipline, self-confidence, teamwork, and the spirit of selfless service. Through service activities and outreach projects, we foster a sense of civic duty, responsibility, and volunteerism. HSS USA endeavors to instill pride in Hindu heritage among its members and to enhance appreciation of Hindus around the world, their traditions, and civilization by the broader community in the United States.
Works cited:
“Key Statistics & Graphics.” USDA ERS. Accessed 13 November 2022.
“Home.” YouTube. Accessed 13 November 2022.
“SewaDiwali.” SewaDiwali. Accessed 13 November 2022.
Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry | Relieve Hunger, Nourish Lives | Aurora IL . Accessed 20 November 2022.
“Financial Information.” Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry. Accessed 20 November 2022.
