This is the fourth time since November that volunteers in Szeged have organized a food distribution event, which can now rightly be called a series of events.
On this occasion as well, the team of volunteers distributing food in Szeged received a great deal of help from the both in terms of food donations and the equipment essential for running the event. This time, we also received on-site security support from the community patrol. We managed to serve 200 people 400 portions of cabbage stew with strawberry sauce at the Anna Well. The local TV crew and newspaper also visited the event again. The food distribution in Szeged currently operates only on an occasional basis; the most recent distribution took place at the end of April. They always receive assistance from Budapest, so the cooked meals and the fruit is also a It came from the main office. I spoke with the local lead organizer, Viktória Hatvany.
Where did the idea for the food distribution in Szeged come from?
– My spiritual mentor, Goswami Maharaja—who is the leading spiritual director of the Hare Krishna Cultural Center in Budapest—once suggested to me at a sanga in Szeged that perhaps Szeged could also organize food distributions. I took this as a request, and from that moment on, I started thinking about how to organize the first one, which took place in November—and now we’re already on our fourth! This is also thanks to Him, as well as to Bhakta Vatsala prabhu (Attila Szanyi-Karl), who, as the head of the foundation, provided me with all the material and human support I needed for the events. I also cannot fail to mention the support of the local Krishna community, without whom I would be just one person here.
What local resources were used to organize the event?
– We received help from many different sources, which was especially This is evident in the solidarity shown by the citizens of Szeged. They are the ones who collected the donations. The event always requires more organization, but this time, for example, there was a collection drive at Coop where Radio 88 showed up to support us. We also receive contributions from private individuals. Let me mention Flow Rent Kft., which has provided portable restrooms for every single event so far. The barrier was also donated by a kind benefactor. Incidentally, shipping these items also involves significant costs, which were covered by a generous anonymous donor.
This food distribution drive is becoming increasingly popular and high-quality. The local media were there again, and I see the neighborhood watch members too!
– That’s right! The TV station and the newspaper were out there. They’re incredibly kind, and it’s often thanks to them that the national media pays attention to our work. We definitely need their help so that people can find us and the movement can attract more donors. After I contacted the neighborhood watch, they offered to provide security at the scene, which was an incredibly kind gesture. We’re waiting for others to join us so that more people here in Szeged can learn about our efforts and get involved—whether as volunteers or supporters. There’s a lot of work to be done, but we can ensure that everyone has uplifting moments. I’d like to thank our volunteers for their collective effort—I love them dearly, and I can always count on them.
Would you have thought there would be another food distribution here in Szeged so soon?
– I haven’t really been thinking about when the next one should be. Usually, once we’ve collected the donations, we let you at headquarters know that we’re ready! Then we’ll work together to find a date and come out with the Budapest team.
– So, shall we look forward to the next opportunity as well?
Yes! This will never end. It has begun and is flowing, just like the abundant healing water from the Anna Fountain here, which quenches everyone’s thirst.
(Asésa-bandhudász)
MEDIA COVERAGE of our fourth food distribution in Szeged: