The transforming POWER of FOOD

Food is the source of life and health, but if you have plenty it’s easy to take it for granted. We asked three chefs to talk about their travels overseas to see how the charity Action Against Hunger helps children in need. The dishes featured here were inspired by their experiences

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“The work can be heartbreaking, but it saves lives”

LISA MARKWELL, JOURNALIST AND CHEF IN TRAINING

Lisa at an Action Against Hunger feeding centre

“In 2014 I was invited by Action Against Hunger to travel to Rajasthan in India to see the work they were doing, while raising money by cycling around the country. I have a dread of exercise, but I also knew about the levels of child malnutrition in India. When I got to the hospital in Baran district, Rajasthan, it was clear how important every £1 of sponsorship money is for the children there. Their lives had been transformed by the charity’s work.

Usually we were fuelled by veggie street food, but one day we cycled to a once grand, now slightly tired hotel and had chicken and chips. It was fantastic.

Memories of the work Action Against Hunger does in India and of the families we met have stayed with me – as have memories of the food. Chicken and chips is not Indian but I’ve given it a spicy tweak to remind me of that dusty dining room.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN… INDIA

Despite its status as an economic powerhouse, India has the largest number of children suffering from malnutrition in the world. Action Against Hunger is there, helping children get the nutrition they need. For 11-month-old Rashmi, this meant the difference between life and death. When her mum Shimla fell ill and was unable to feed Rashmi, the child became dangerously malnourished. Under the watchful eye of Action Against Hunger and her grandmother, she has regained her health.