Mattancherry: In a major initiative to boost a hunger-free city, 'Ente Kochi' (My Kochi) Charitable Trust has started to provide rice free of cost to the needy. To enable this service, an office was started by the trust at Nazareth in Mattancherry. 

Anybody can buy rice from the shop without producing any identification documents. The quantity of rice is also given based on the number of members in the family. Matta Rice, White Rice and Wheat are mainly available in the shop. It is also worth noting that the shop is opened on all 365 days a year. 

"Every day, around eight to ten people approach us for rice. The rice is handed over to everyone and also to those who are bedridden. Someone trusted by the family can procure the required quantity of rice for such people with ailments," said Shibu Pollayil, chief coordinator of the trust. He added that rice is procured with the financial help of some well-wishers and those members of the trust. 

The initiative has resulted in many people arriving from across the city to get rice. However, the members of the trust added that they have enough rice to satisfy the needs of the people.