Kozhikode: The community kitchens in Kerala are proving to be the best solution to the lack of time to cook food for oneself. The long working hours and the additional commute add to the distress of people coming back home and preparing a meal for themselves. A group of women run these community kitchens where they prepare and serve healthy homecooked meals. This has also come as a new way of living for them. 

Community kitchens

A couple living in Ponnani, Kerala, found it time consuming to cook meals after returning from their work. Ordering outside food was unhealthy and financially burdensome. They decided to implement a plan that would not only help them to save time but also ease the lives of other individuals like them. They started their work on a piece of land that they owned and quickly gained popularity. 

Spreading the word

The positive impact of community kitchens was apparent as more such kitchens started opening up in Malappuram and Kozhikode. As word spread, locals began opting for the Sahakarana kitchen in Chevarambalam, leading to a rise in food orders and making it a renowned choice in the city. 

Cooperative society

The community kitchen is operated by the Chevarambalam Women’s Cooperative Society, which also serves as a source of income for local women. As per information, meals are prepared for 11 families. Two members of the society bear the responsibility of delivering the food. The daily menu, decided a day in advance, typically features breakfast options like idli, puttu, pathiri, chapati, appam, uppuma, or puri. For lunch, a variety of dishes, including chicken or fish with rice and vegetables, is offered. 

Saving money

One of the attractive features of the community kitchen is the cost-effectiveness of it. Meals are prepared under family supervision which ensures the affordability and quality of meals. Families cover the cooking expenses, and breakfast is delivered to homes by 8 am. The kitchens equipped with vermi composting unit, are not only budget-friendly but also time-efficient. Elderly couples particularly benefit from this initiative. The success of this initiative has led to the establishment of similar kitchens in various places across Kerala.