The Goodness Foundation proudly launched Food42 – 2026, a major nationwide campaign to combat hunger, uniting prominent voices under a single banner for a greater cause—achieving Zero Hunger (UN Sustainable Development Goal 2). The grand launch event took place yesterday at Periampet, Chennai.
The event was graced by celebrated Chief Guest, Tamil cinema actor Mr. Santhosh Prathap, whose presence brought tremendous energy and inspiration to the campaign’s mission. Joining him as the Guest of Honour was Mr. Joe Michael, a well-known social activist, entrepreneur, and prominent Bigg Boss reviewer, who delivered a thought-provoking address on social responsibility, media influence, and collective action.
Founder of the Goodness Foundation, Mr. Paul Raja, delivered a deeply moving keynote address, framing the Food42 forum as a critical space for collaboration. “This forum brings like-minded people together to share resources and work collectively for the greater cause of a hunger-free world,” Mr. Paul Raja stated. “We must keep spreading awareness about the stark realities of hunger. Keep speaking up until our voice reaches the ends of the earth.”
Drawing a powerful historical parallel, he highlighted the impact of young voices by pointing to global climate activist Greta Thunberg. “In 2018, at just 15 years old, Greta Thunberg shook the world and ignited a global climate movement. That very same year, we started ‘Food for Two.’ I encourage our children and youth to take inspiration from this—you are never too young to impact the world and make it a better place for future generations.”
Addressing the global scale of the crisis, Mr. Paul Raja shared a chilling statistic: 673 million people still experience hunger across the world today.“The tragedy is not that we don’t have enough food,” he emphasized. “Global food production is more than enough to feed everyone on this planet. Yet, one-third of all food produced goes to waste, allowing hunger to thrive. Let us share our food with those who need it, and encourage everyone around us to do the same, until we create a truly hunger-free world.”
Chief Guest Mr. Santhosh Prathap delivered an incredibly heartfelt and personal speech, striking a chord with everyone present by opening up about his own journey. He candidly shared his early struggles in the film industry, recalling the days when he personally experienced hunger and uncertainty at the start of his acting career. “Hunger isn’t just a statistic to me; I know what it feels like to wonder where your next meal is coming from,” Mr. Santhosh Prathap shared. “We must all become deeply mindful of how much we consume. Whatever we have that is beyond our actual needs, it is our responsibility to share it. Giving isn’t an act of charity—it’s a basic human duty.”
The event, seamlessly hosted by emcee Lydia Miracles, began with a warm welcome address by Mrs. Vasanthy Gilbert, Director of the Goodness Foundation. She introduced the organization’s ongoing, holistic work spanning education, healthcare, livelihood, and nutrition through its various grassroots initiatives.
In a moving moment that officially inaugurated the Food42 – 2026 campaign, the chief guests and dignitaries stood together to serve fresh meals to children.
At the conclusion of the program, the campaign’s vision was immediately set into motion. Food packets were distributed to hundreds of children at the venue, while dedicated Goodness Foundation volunteers simultaneously took to the streets around the Egmore area to distribute meals to the homeless and underprivileged—turning the day’s words into immediate community action.
The launch concluded with a renewed collective commitment to scale the campaign into schools, corporate spaces, and local neighborhoods—one plate at a time.
About Goodness Foundation
The Goodness Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to social transformation through sustainable development goals. By focusing on education, health, empowerment, and nutrition, the foundation strives to uplift underprivileged communities and build a resilient, hunger-free society.
Goodness Foundation
Email: goodnesstrust@gmail.com
Website: www.goodnessfoundation.in
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
