EastMojo Covers Umeed’s Food SOS Collaboration in Arunachal Pradesh

As the pandemic continued to disrupt livelihoods across Arunachal Pradesh, the economic aftershocks became increasingly visible in families dependent on daily labour, small-scale agriculture, and informal businesses. Many households had already exhausted their savings during earlier lockdowns, and the prolonged restrictions left them without reliable access to essential food supplies. It was during this critical period that EastMojo covered the second phase of the Food SOS relief collaboration between Project Umeed and AMYAA NGO, supported by CryptoRelief.

The report detailed how the second-phase distribution targeted communities still grappling with ongoing shortages. Volunteers and social workers conducted door-to-door assessments, identifying families whose income had collapsed entirely and those recovering from illness or caregiving burdens. This method ensured that the support reached households with the highest vulnerability rather than relying on broad distribution patterns that could overlook those most in need.

Each ration kit contained carefully chosen staples—rice, lentils, oil, flour, salt, spices, and hygiene essentials—designed to sustain a family for several days. The initiative prioritised mothers running single-income households, elderly residents living alone, and families belonging to remote tribal settlements where market access remained limited. The partnership between Umeed and AMYAA strengthened the process through a blend of logistical coordination and cultural understanding, allowing the distribution to unfold smoothly across diverse communities.

EastMojo’s coverage highlighted the defining feature of this initiative: its rootedness in local ecosystems. Village elders, youth volunteers, and community groups played active roles in guiding distribution routes, identifying overlooked pockets, and ensuring that support reached even the least connected settlements. By leveraging this network, Umeed was able to extend relief into areas where conventional supply chains remained disrupted.

The report also addressed the emotional environment surrounding the effort. In many homes, the arrival of ration kits eased the quiet tension that had been building for weeks. Families expressed relief in subtle ways—tidying their kitchens, planning meals again, and restoring small routines that had been replaced by uncertainty. For communities that rely heavily on rhythm and continuity, this restoration of daily structure was significant.

EastMojo framed the Food SOS initiative as an essential act of solidarity, emphasising that in a region known for its strong community bonds, this partnership amplified the resilience already present within villages.