CONNECTOR.AE 56 CONNECTOR.AE 57 Lifestyle Lifestyle Ending Hunger, One Food ATM Dispense At A Time: Ayesha Khan’s Story The fundamental necessities of food, shelter, andhygiene are universal rights every individual, regardless of their wealth or privilege, should have access to. Unfortunately, the reality is far from this ideal. According to the United Nations, a staggering 821 million people worldwide are currently grappling with hunger, equating to one in every nine individuals on our planet who do not have access to adequate nutrition. While there are commendable efforts being made by individuals and organisations to combat hunger and malnutrition, there are inspiring individuals like Ayesha Khan, a UAE resident from Indian, who have embarked on a mission to provide food to those in need. Ayesha Khan, an engineer by profession, left her job to embark on the journey of Food ATM. This registered organisation operates from two locations in Ajman, one in Sharjah and one in Ras Al Khaimah, and offers affordable meals to blue-collar workers in need. Officially launched in 2019, Food ATM serves meals priced from a mere 50 fils to Dhs 3, catering to individuals with limited income. Yet, it’s important to understand that the genesis of this remarkable project wasn’t a sudden occurrence. Ayesha Khan graciously shares the story behind the inception of Food ATM and how this incredible journey all began. “At the tender age of 17, I faced the heartbreaking loss of my father, and during those challenging times, financial stability was a distant dream. I experienced moments where I had to make choices between purchasing books and putting food on the table. The pangs of hunger I endured became the driving force behind my determination to instigate a positive change in society. I opted to leverage my knowledge by working part-time to support both myself and my family. However, it was glaringly evident that many people across the world lacked access to such educational privileges, making their struggle to survive much more difficult. It was during those trying times I made a commitment, that one day, when I achieved a position of influence, I would be a provider. I would extend a helping hand by ensuring that those in need who couldn’t afford three meals a day, would have access to nourishment.” Ayesha Khan’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts culminated in the inception of Food ATM in 2019. The journey was marked by its share of challenges, especially in the initial year when the concept was met with limited understanding. However, it was the onset of the pandemic that underscored the importance of affordable food, and since then, there’s no looking back.
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