Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives Launches ‘Navahitam’ to Strengthen Food Security and Access to Fresh Produce for Vulnerable Communities

Bengaluru, April 23: Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) announced the launch of Navahitam, a new initiative aimed at improving access to fresh, nutritious produce for underserved communities, including children and senior citizens.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Navahitam seeks to address food security challenges at the grassroots level by building sustainable distribution ecosystems and strengthening last-mile access to essential nutrition. The initiative will enable the sourcing of fresh produce through a network of farmers and wholesale partners, ensuring consistent access to quality food for vulnerable populations. The fresh produce sourced through the organic farming ecosystem will be distributed to beneficiaries across a growing network of community institutions.

Through Navahitam, SFPI aims to create a reliable and scalable model that bridges gaps in food access by connecting producers, distributors, and communities.

Under the initiative,

• As of March 2026, the quantity of vegetables, fruits & groceries distributed are 242470.6 kg, 2790 Kg of organic snacks and 54,730 eggs.
• Supply comes from a network of wholesale partners and more than 25 farmers in Tamil Nadu.
• The produce has reached organizations such as Bosco Mane, ECHO, Infant Jesus children's Home, Little Sister of the Poor, Ave Maria-Leprosy Center, Support care-HIV center, ASVAS & DASS, Refuge Foundation, Bethel Child Care, Makkala Jeevodaya, Auxilium Navajeevana, Maria Nivas Old Age Home, Bala Yeshu Bavan Orphanage, Alverna Bhavan and Swanthana hospice Palliative care.

Commenting on the launch, Mrs. Kumari Shibulal, Founder and Chairperson of SFPI, said,

“At SFPI, we believe that access to nutritious food is fundamental to dignity and well-being. “This World Earth Day, Navahitam is a reminder that sustainability and social equity must go hand in hand. By connecting responsible surplus management across farming, fresh produce and grocery wholesaler systems with community nutrition, we are working towards a future where both people and the planet thrive.”

Navahitam, launched as a pilot project in 2024, benefits 1,500 people per day. The initiative operates from its primary facility, Maple Tree Farms in Tamil Nadu, and is further supported by a network of nearby farmers. The DG Palli farm in Hosur is another key facility that contributes significantly to the initiative, particularly through the supply of highly nutritious produce, including multiple varieties of greens. By the end of this year, the Navahitam initiative aims to scale its efforts to reach a total distribution of 30,000 kgs. There are also plans to expand the initiative to other cities in due course.

With over 25 years of philanthropic work, SFPI has focused on creating systemic change across education, healthcare, and community development.