FISTFUL OF GRAINS (FOG)

A Community-Led Nutrition & Empathy-Building Model

Soroptimist International, Bangalore (SIB)

1. Introduction

Fistful of Grains (FOG) is a flagship social impact initiative of Soroptimist International, Bangalore (SIB), conceptualised nearly two decades ago (c. 2006) as a simple yet powerful response to hunger, poverty and malnutrition among underprivileged children particularly girls in Bengaluru. What began as a local compassion driven activity has evolved into a nationally adopted Soroptimist model under NASI, demonstrating how small individual acts can collectively create large-scale, sustained impact.

FOG integrates nutrition security, child sensitisation, women’s livelihoods and community participation into a single, replicable framework that continues to inspire Soroptimist clubs across India.

2. Evolution & National Expansion

Year/Phase	Key Milestone
~2006	FOG conceptualised and launched by Soroptimist International, Bangalore
2006–2015	Steady expansion across Bengaluru schools and partner institutions
2016–2020	Model refined; structured engagement with schools and NGOs
2021 onwards	Adopted nationally under NASI and replicated by other Soroptimist clubs in India
2024	National recognition at CSR Times Awards

Replication across India: The simplicity, low cost and high transparency of FOG enabled it to be shared as a best practice model within the Soroptimist network. Multiple SI clubs across India now implement similar grain-collection drives, adapted to local needs while retaining the core principles of dignity, nutrition and empathy.

3. Project Design & Methodology

Component	Description
School Engagement	Jute bags distributed to students through partner schools
Collection Period	Students collect grains and pulses at home over ~1 month
Livelihood Linkage	Jute bags stitched by women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
Aggregation	SIB collects filled bags from schools
Distribution	Grains channelled to orphanages, remand homes, rural schools and families
Learning Outcome	Students participate in donation visits and reflection sessions

This closed-loop model connects children → women SHGs → vulnerable communities, creating a continuous chain of generosity and nourishment.

4. Activities & Deliverables (2024–2025)

4.1 School Participation

School	Date	Key Outputs
DPS Whitefield	2 July 2024	358 jute bags issued (Std. 1–3)
Global School	7 Feb 2025	Grain drive; 211 student certificates; 11 students joined donation visit
TISB	2024–25	80 kg grains; 10 kg pulses collected

4.2 Distribution to Beneficiaries

Beneficiary Institution	Materials Distributed	Beneficiaries
Rakum Orphanage	125 kg grains, 47 kg pulses, clothes	Children, staff & residents
Sai School (near Srirangapatna)	80 kg grains, 10 kg pulses	Rural school children

5. Quantitative Impact Analysis (2024–2025 Cycle)

Indicator	Achieved
Students directly engaged	600+
Schools involved	3 major institutions
Grains collected & distributed	262 kg
Pulses collected & distributed	57 kg
Beneficiary institutions	3+
Women SHGs supported	Multiple local groups

Cumulative Impact (since inception):

· Over 1.5 million meals generated through sustained school partnerships

· Continuous annual engagement for nearly 19 years

6. Impact Assessment

6.1 Nutritional Impact

Aspect	Observed Outcomes
Food Security	Regular access to staples for vulnerable children
Health	Improved intake of carbohydrates & proteins
Child Development	Reduced risk of malnutrition, stunting & wasting
Education	Better attendance and classroom readiness

6.2 Social & Educational Impact (Students)

Dimension	Outcome
Empathy & Compassion	Early exposure to social realities
Emotional Intelligence	Improved stress-handling & empathy
Citizenship	Volunteerism and collaborative spirit
Values Education	Responsible consumption & sharing

6.3 Impact on Families & Institutions

Area	Benefit
Household Economics	Reduced food expenditure
Resource Allocation	Savings redirected to healthcare & education
Institutional Stability	Improved food planning for orphanages & schools

6.4 Women’s Economic Empowerment

Indicator	Impact
Employment	Income generation for women SHGs
Sustainability	Use of eco-friendly jute bags
Community Economy	Strengthened local supply chains

7. Recognition & Credibility

In August 2024, FOG received the Special Jury Mention Award (Others Category) at the 11th CSR Times Awards, recognising its impact, scalability and sustainability.

Chief Guests included:

· Hon. Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa

· Shri Sadanand Shet Tanavade, Member of Rajya Sabha

· Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Minister for Social Welfare

8. Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG	Contribution through FOG
SDG 1 – No Poverty	Reduces household financial stress
SDG 2 – Zero Hunger	Direct food & nutrition support
SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being	Improved child nutrition & immunity
SDG 8 – Decent Work & Economic Growth	Livelihoods for women SHGs
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities	Linking privilege with vulnerability
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption	Sensitising children on sharing & waste reduction
SDG 17 – Partnerships	Schools, NGOs, SHGs & SI network

9. Conclusion

Fistful of Grains demonstrates that systemic change does not always require complex solutions. Through a low-cost, replicable and dignity-based model, FOG has sustained nearly two decades of impact -feeding children, empowering women, sensitising students and strengthening communities.

Its national adoption within Soroptimist India and international recognition affirm FOG as a best-practice model for community-led nutrition and social equity-one fistful at a time.