Rizq is fighting hunger in Pakistan by feeding the poor and reducing food wastage
Queen Elizabeth awarded the “Commonwealth Points of Light” awards to two Pakistani entrepreneurs for their work in creating food security in Pakistan, especially during the time of coronavirus pandemic.
The recipients include Huzaifa Ahmad, who is the co-founder and CEO of Rizq, and Hassaan Irfan, who is the Executive Director. Rizq is a platform that works to distribute excess food to the needy and the most vulnerable while reducing food wastage.
During the COVID-19 crisis, ‘Rizq’ has mobilized around 3,000 volunteers across 23 cities to distribute meals to over 2.2 million most vulnerable people and saving over 20,000kg of excess food that would otherwise have gone to waste.
The new app, ‘Rizq Heroes’, will connect thousands of more volunteers to local community projects.
Dr. Christian Turner, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, shed the light on the close relations between Pakistan, the UK and the Commonwealth. “It was an honor to hear Her Majesty recognize Rizq’s remarkable work to tackle food insecurity. Moments like this are examples of the profoundly positive relations between the UK, Pakistan and Commonwealth,” Turner said.
Huzaifa Ahmed thanked the Commonwealth for recognizing the efforts. He also emphasized on the importance of food for all. “Food is a fundamental need. For every human to reach his or her true potential it is important for this basic right to be accessible, affordable and available. I want to thank the Commonwealth for recognizing our efforts and honoring us with this award. I would like to dedicate it to our amazing volunteers and Rizq heroes,” he said.
Hassan Irfan remarked about the growing hunger in the country and the need for everyone to contribute in improving the situation. He also said that the ward is a tribute to the people of Pakistan.
“We have more food than ever before, yet more people than ever go hungry every day. We all have an individual responsibility to eliminate hunger. No one should go without a daily meal. This award is a tribute to the people of Pakistan, the work of volunteers in Pakistan, and our strong tradition of helping each other,” Irfan said.
Master Ayub, Mohammed Amjad Saqib and Hamza Farrukh have previously received the prestigious award.