Vedanta’s #RunForZeroHunger Unites 72,000 to Raise 10 Million Meals

Vedanta's #RunForZeroHunger initiative reached a historic milestone by raising 10 million meals for children and animals during the third edition of the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM) 2024. The event, which concluded on October 20, 2024, saw participation from over 72,000 individuals across the country, all united in the mission to combat hunger and malnutrition in India.

Through the social impact initiatives of the Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF), Vedanta pledged one meal for every kilometre run, doubling last year’s achievements with #RunForZeroHunger. This initiative will benefit animals through AAF’s animal welfare project, The Animal Care Organization (TACO), and support children across nearly 6,500 Nand Ghars operating in 14 states across India.

Among the participants, 36,000 were from the Vedanta community, including leadership, CXOs, employees, and partners, who engaged in the event across 19 business locations and virtually via the StepSetGo app. Three months prior to race day, Vedanta involved its community through workouts, walkathons, and mini marathons to contribute to the #RunForZeroHunger movement, highlighting the power of sports in mobilising communities and raising awareness for social causes. Participants came from various regions, especially where Vedanta operates and conducts CSR projects, including Udaipur, Barmer, Mumbai, Korba, and Goa.

Leading up to race day, community-driven initiatives generated significant momentum for the cause. Milind Soman, an advocate for sustainability and health, along with radio personality RJ Naved, Army veteran Capt. Dharmveer Singh, and several community platforms and fitness groups encouraged citizens to participate in the #RunForZeroHunger movement, complementing Vedanta’s efforts to garner widespread support for the shared mission of tackling hunger and malnutrition.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director of Vedanta and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd., remarked, “We witnessed an extraordinary display of determination and unity as people across the globe came together, not just for fitness, but for a cause that resonates with us all. I am humbled to contribute to the larger dream of combating malnourishment. With every kilometre run, all marathoners added to the number of meals provided for nourishing children and feeding animals. I am confident that we have created history by raising 10 million meals this year. Together we have run for zero hunger.”

In the previous two years, VDHM raised over 7 million meals to combat child hunger and malnutrition. This year, the goal was raised to 10 million, with AAF expanding the #RunForZeroHunger initiative to support animal welfare under the 'One Health' approach, emphasising the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment. Through the 'Meals for All' initiative, AAF will support animals via its project TACO, making this year’s campaign more inclusive. AAF continues to support children in Nand Ghars, where 7.2 million multi-millet bars have been distributed to reduce cases of severe and moderate acute malnutrition among children.

With VDHM 2024, Vedanta marks its third year of collaboration with the Delhi Half Marathon, furthering its mission to create positive social change through sports and community mobilization. The company aims to expand the #RunForZeroHunger movement to other marathons in India, promoting strides toward a hunger-free future and demonstrating how sports can drive significant social impact.