Building Stronger Communities
Rizq Dastarkhwan
Beyond serving meals, Rizq Dastarkhwan aims to foster compassion by setting up traditional communal tables. Our program unites individuals impacted by food insecurity, offering not just nourishment but a supportive environment, embodying the power of unity and care within our communities.
Introduction to the Program
What is Rizq Dastarkhwan?
Our Impact
Creating Lasting Change, Together
50
dastarkhwan locations
10+ million
meals served
15+ million
people fed
Problem Statement
What is the Challenge?
In Pakistan’s urban centres, rising food inflation and deepening poverty force millions to choose between hunger and dignity. Vulnerable families often lack access to affordable, nutritious meals, leaving them exposed to malnutrition and insecurity. Despite this situation, no scalable model exists for affordable, cooked meals that uphold consumer dignity.
48%
Food inflation in Pakistan.
47.7%
Income spent on food in Pakistan.
20%
Population undernourished.
Our Vision and Mission
What We Aim to Do
Our Vision
Rizq Dastarkhwan envisions a society built on empathy, collective responsibility and a spirit of togetherness — where every individual has access to nutritious food.
Mission
To serve wholesome, dignified meals to those in need by creating spaces of compassion, community, and care. Rizq Dastarkhwan aims to eliminate hunger by restoring the dignity of every individual who sits at our table.
Initiation Story
The Start of Rizq Dastarkhwan
The inspiration behind Rizq Dastarwkhan came from our own home. Huzaifa’s mother has been opening the doors of her home, and feeding the hungry everyday with dignity for the past 30 years. We saw the power and love her dastarkhwan brought to the community, and we aimed to do the same, at scale, and in regions which are often neglected.
Core Offerings
What Makes Us Unique?
Community Accessible
Nutritious Offering
Dignified Feeding
Youth Led
Equality in Serving
SDG Alignment
How We Ensure Sustainability
2
Zero
Hunger
3
Good Health
And well-being
Read More Insights
Features Blogs & Stories
Ghar Ka Dastarkhwan: Johar Town, Lahore
In the heart of Johar Town, Lahore, a remarkable tradition has been silently nourishing souls for the past three decades. It’s not a fancy restaurant, and you won’t find any grand signboards proclaiming its presence. Instead, it’s an unassuming place where love, compassion, and a mother’s devotion have blended into a legacy of kindness. This is the story of “Ghar Ka Dastarkhwan.”
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Covered by Kashmir Cooking Oil
Founded a year and a half ago, Rizq addresses the stark contrast in Pakistan, where 60% face food insecurity while 40% of prepared food is wasted. Starting with home donations, Rizq now collaborates with Kashmir Banaspati and Cooking Oil, enhancing their impact. Daily iftars, supported by Kashmir, feed hundreds, ensuring no one leaves hungry.
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MangoBaaz article on Mrs Rukhsana Izhar who inspired Rizq
Mrs Rukhsana Izhar, based in Lahore, dedicates herself to aiding the homeless in Pakistan. She initiated daily lunches for the needy, now serving almost 200 people. Beyond dastarkhwan, she establishes trust schools, women empowerment centers, and medical camps nationwide. Operating a free school in Samsani slums, she teaches sewing to empower girls. Mrs. Izhar advocates for fair treatment and minimum wages for household workers, emphasizing personalized welfare. Her future goal includes establishing a home for the disabled.
Read Blog
Testimonials
Hear From the People
Leading our biggest Ramadan dastarkhwan at Shaukat Khanum has been the most challenging, yet rewarding experience. I have been spending the last 2 Ramadans away from home and to me, that is the true essence of Ramadan - feeding those who do not have the means to feed themselves. Managing these dastarkhwans and these dedicated volunteers has taught me what it truly means to be human.
Rayyan Azhar
Volunteer
There are so many times I stop at this dastarkhwan on my way back from delivering orders. It truly is open to all, and every person who comes to sit on this dastarkhwan is treated with so much respect and honor. The Rizq team makes us feel like a family.
Shahbaz
Foodpanda Rider
I work in 3 houses daily, yet the expenses are so high, I find it impossible to feed my children quality food. My children are small, they used to ask me why we don’t celebrate iftar like everyone else. With this dastarkhwan close to my home, I bring my children here sometimes. We are fed with delicious meals and a lot of care.
Rukhsana
Beneficiary
Program Partners
Partnering For A Sustainable Future
Some of our key partners who have been instrumental in bringing our vision to life.
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Gallery
Through The Camera Lens
Support Us
Become a Part of the Movement Today!
Become a part of our mission to not only feed with dignity, but also to empower and strengthen communities by bringing back the age-old tradition of a dastarkhwan.