SMFG India Credit Aims to Feed 20,000 Children in Fifth ‘Ek Muthi Chawal’ Initiative

SMFG India Credit Co. Ltd. (SMICC) announced the launch of the fifth edition of its charitable initiative, Ek Muthi Chawal (A Fistful of Rice), to address hunger among children and the elderly. This program mobilizes over 12,000 employees across 21 states, encouraging them to donate essential food items like rice, wheat, and pulses to benefit vulnerable communities, especially children and elderly residents in care homes. This year, SMICC set a goal to distribute 60,000 kilograms of food, which is expected to provide monthly nutrition and feed children around 20,000 and also elderly individuals across India.

Since the program’s inception, Ek Muthi Chawal has grown significantly in scale and impact, expanding its outreach each year. Over the previous four editions, SMICC’s employees collectively donated enough food to provide monthly nutrition to over 50,000 children. Employee engagement has steadily increased from 5,000 employees initially to over 10,500 in recent years. This year’s fifth edition demonstrates the program’s ongoing success and SMICC’s dedication to social responsibility.

Swaminathan Subramanian, Chief Operating Officer of SMFG India Credit, spoke about the initiative’s core mission, stating, “Ek Muthi Chawal embodies our commitment to community welfare and social value creation. Small actions can lead to significant change, and through this initiative, our employees spread festive cheer and make a tangible impact on lives across the country.”

The impact of Ek Muthi Chawal extends internationally, with support from SMFG, the parent company of SMICC. SMFG employees participate in the initiative through their “Shaka Kaichi Day” celebration, donating rice to enhance the program’s reach. SMFG’s backing and direct involvement in this initiative illustrate a shared commitment to addressing social challenges in India and beyond.

Established in India in 2007, SMFG India Credit Co. Ltd. (formerly Fullerton India Credit Co. Ltd.) has built a significant presence in underserved communities, offering financing solutions to retail and small business customers across 670 towns and 70,000 villages. With over 1,000 branches and a workforce of more than 25,000, the company actively seeks ways to give back to these communities. With this year’s initiative, SMICC hopes to foster community and shared purpose among employees and partners while addressing basic nutritional needs. As SMICC strives to reach ambitious new goals, Ek Muthi Chawal stands out as a leading example of how corporations can leverage employee involvement to make a meaningful social impact.