In the bustling world of food services, where culinary excellence often reigns supreme, Ayesha Khan has carved out a unique niche with her initiative, Food ATM.
Founded in 2019, Food ATM is not merely a food service; it’s a beacon of hope for thousands of low-income workers across the UAE.
Khan’s operation is dedicated to providing nutritious, affordable meals, ensuring that hunger is not an obstacle in the daily lives of those who struggle the most.
A Vision Born from Personal Struggle
Ayesha Khan’s journey is as remarkable as the impact she has created. Growing up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, she faced severe financial hardships after the death of her father when she was just 17.
The loss of her father forced Khan into a position where she had to juggle between her brother’s education and her mother’s medical needs.
Struggling to balance between purchasing books and medicine, Khan experienced hunger firsthand—a painful reality that shaped her future aspirations.
“There were times when I would be really hungry and wish that the parents of my students would give me something to eat. A cup of coffee itself was a luxury,” Khan recalls.
This experience instilled in her a deep empathy and a vow to help those who are hungry when she had the resources to do so.
A Career Shift to Impact Lives
After graduating, Khan embarked on a career with BSNL, India’s leading telecom operator, where she quickly advanced through the ranks due to her expertise.
Her career took her across various states, and she eventually participated in global projects, gaining recognition for her contributions.
In 2006, Khan moved to Dubai and joined du, where she was one of 60 experts chosen for IT operations. It was during this time that Khan began cooking as a stress-relief activity.
Her initial attempts at cooking were not particularly well-received by her colleagues, but the low-wage workers who tasted her food were immensely grateful. This experience made Khan realize that her cooking was appreciated not because it was gourmet but because it saved these workers money they desperately needed.
The Birth of Food ATM
The idea for Food ATM was born out of Khan’s desire to make affordable meals accessible to everyone. In 2019, after obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals, she launched the first Food ATM in Ajman.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including skepticism from friends and financial losses that led to pulling her children out of school, Khan persevered.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 was a turning point for Food ATM. With many companies seeking low-cost meal options for their workers, Food ATM’s services were in high demand.
This surge in need led to significant growth for the company, and Khan’s efforts were recognized in 2021 when she earned a Guinness World Record for feeding 50,744 people in less than eight hours.
Additionally, she was appointed to the Board of Directors of the United Nations Global Compact, UAE Chapter.
How Food ATM Operates
Food ATM’s model is innovative and community-focused. Corporate organizations sign annual contracts to provide three daily meals for 3,000 or more workers.
Each worker receives a Food ATM card, which is preloaded with meal counts based on the payment made by the sponsoring individual or company. The card includes a number, the worker’s photo, and a QR code to check the meal balance.
Workers not on contract can purchase meals directly for a nominal fee. The smart meal card system ensures that workers can rely on having their meals covered throughout the month, even if they have sent most of their money home to support their families.
“Workers often exhaust their funds at the beginning of the month, leaving them struggling to afford food and other necessities later on. The smart meal card ensures they have access to meals throughout the month, which is crucial,” Khan explains.
Sustainable Practices and Future Goals
Food ATM’s approach to sourcing near-expiry food items at reduced prices not only makes meals affordable but also reduces food waste. This strategy benefits both the companies, which avoid the cost of disposal, and the workers who receive cost-effective meals.
Khan is passionate about addressing global hunger and reducing food wastage. She points out that annually, around Dh6 billion worth of food is wasted in the UAE alone.
“Imagine if all this food could be redistributed effectively. We need to start educating children about the impact of food wastage and the environmental effects of methane production in landfills,” she says.
Khan praises the UAE government’s efforts in promoting sustainability and suggests further engagement with universities to educate young people about food wastage and its repercussions.
Expanding Horizons
Five years into her journey with Food ATM, Khan has ambitious plans for expansion. With successful operations in Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, she aims to extend her reach across all Emirates.
Despite the challenges of high rents and operational costs, Khan remains determined to make affordable and accessible food a reality throughout the UAE.
“Despite the challenges, including high rents, we aim to make affordable and accessible food a reality throughout the UAE. With God’s grace, it will be a reality soon,” Khan says with unwavering optimism.
A Legacy of Compassion
Ayesha Khan’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and perseverance. From experiencing personal hardship to creating a transformative initiative, Khan’s Food ATM is not just a service but a lifeline for many.
Her commitment to reshaping lives through affordable meals exemplifies the profound impact one individual can make when driven by empathy and a vision for positive change.
As Food ATM continues to grow and reach more communities, Ayesha Khan’s legacy is set to inspire others to take meaningful action in the fight against hunger and waste, proving that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome with dedication and heart.