Following the organization of the special pre-holiday food distribution in Budapest, we will also be paying special attention to those in need living in rural areas during the Advent season. On November 27, starting at 10 a.m., we will deliver Christmas surprise packages—containing non-perishable foods, fresh vegetables, fruits, and sweets. Before the pandemic, the local government organized a festive dinner every year for those over 60, to which Krishna devotees have always contributed with food donations.

There is a high demand for food aid in small rural communities, since, with food prices constantly rising and summer seasonal jobs—which provide some income—now over, winter poses a challenge for households that aid organizations are unable to reach. Poverty weighs most heavily on families with many children, elderly people living alone, and families caring for the chronically ill, and they are the ones most likely to seek assistance.

Where does it come from?

Food distribution is not a new tradition among the devotees of Krishna. For 30 years, the devotees in Hungary have been devotedly fulfilling the request of their late spiritual master, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, to make every effort, in accordance with the Indian tradition, to ensure that no one goes hungry within the vicinity of their temples. As part of our humanitarian program, we hold charity meals on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis in several districts of Budapest as well as in numerous large cities and small towns across the country. Each year, we support our fellow citizens in need with more than half a million servings of hot meals and 200 metric tons of food donations.

With all my heart and soul

Local governments and family support services, which are familiar with local conditions, provide us with guidance on the proper distribution of donations, ensuring that this assistance—which is often life-saving—always reaches those most in need.

As the holidays approach, we generally find it easier to open our hearts to one another—and to those facing difficult circumstances. During this latest pandemic, however, our concern for our own health and our legitimate fear of losing our family and friends may distract us from the homeless and those in need. Let’s not let that happen! Let love be our guiding principle at all times; let us give and help whenever we can! The true measure of our humanity is how we, as people, relate to one another and to the world even when our own ship is barely staying afloat. If we are able to give even at such times, the true meaning of the holiday will shine in our hearts.

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