Meals that save the day

Online weight-loss service Insta Diet has taken up the task of delivering free meals to COVID-positive patients living all by themselves

Recognising the need for essentials throughout the pandemic, many companies, eateries and online services have come up with initiatives to help those in need. Insta Diet is one such online service that stepped up to the plate last week, and decided to help residents across the country.

A Delhi-based weight-loss service that launched last Christmas and delivers chef-prepared meals, Insta Diet has taken up the task of providing free, one-day boxes to patients across India, living alone. The idea came to founder Kanav Puri last Monday when he himself tested positive. “When I tested positive, although I had help, I was isolated most of the time and it made me think of the plight of those living alone, who had no contact with people and would have to constantly order food from outside. That’s when I came up with this and immediately told my team about it,” he shares.

The food is retort packed and couriered across the country

The one-day boxes comprise dishes such as porridge, khichdi, paneer makhani and energy bars — items that are better suited for sick patients. The boxes are retort packed and delivered within 24 hours in Delhi, and in two to three working days for regions outside. “We ask patients for a COVID-19 positive report, their Aadhar card and make them sign a document that proves they stay alone; after that, we deliver the boxes through courier. The boxes are retort packed which is the safest way to deliver,” adds Puri.

The initiative has so far been well-received, with Bollywood actors Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Riteish Deshmukh and Neil Nitin Mukesh reposting it as well and orders flooding in. The group has started to raise more funds to incorporate delivery to senior citizens, and hope to open up centres in Mumbai and Delhi. 

Kanav Puri

Log on to instadiet.in 

Also on the gram

. Tara Deshpande is making free meals for those without access to food. 
Email studio.culinary@gmail.com

. Chef Marina Balakrishnan is baking plum cakes. Proceeds will help feed the needy.
Log on to @thatthalasserygirl on Instagram

. Eclectic Kitchen provides a seven-day meal plan for quarantined patients. 
Log on to @eclectickitchen mumbai on Instagram

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