India is a land of contrasts; snow-bound mountains of the Himalayas, sizzling deserts of Rajasthan, sparkling cities, and sprawling slums epitomize the polarity of the ancient and the new, the rich and the poor.

There are more poor people in India than anywhere else in the world. Almost 400 million Indians live below the poverty line. Most of the poor are in the villages, but many of these have migrated to the cities, desperate for jobs and survival. They end up in the slums and squatter settlements, which are a picture of filth, squalor, disease and despair.

The slum dwellers left their homes with a dream of finding success in the city. They want to come up in life, see their children educated and live with the dignity that God intended for every person. However, as the Indian economy globalizes, the gap between rich and poor is widening even more. Women and young children suffer the most and often end up becoming prostitutes in order to stay alive.

This segment of Feed India reaches out to 16,000 people in 2 slums in Calcutta. Currently, approximately 20 families benefit from making the cards and other products, but there are many more women who wish to be trained when the funds are available. The women earn 100 ruppes (around $2 U.S.) each day , which is a significant and necessary income for these families. The supervisors of this business are wonderful caring individuals who wish to see these women receive the self-respect and care they deserve. Often the income they make provides enough money to pay for their children's school tuition.

A limited market in India has prevented the small business from turning a profit, but it is our hope that by creating this web site we will reach a new group of customers who will help turn Feed India into a business that is able to employ many more workers and transform the lives of many families here in India.

Together with you it is possible to create a brighter future for scores of people living in the dark slums of India.

Ilaa's Story

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