Childline issues clarification after receiving calls for collecting leftover food

Childline, the nationwide emergency helpline for children, has issued a clarification that it does not collect left over food from parties after a spam mail suggesting it circulated online.

The message circulating around says that "if you have a function or party at your home and when you see food wasted, please don't hesitate to call 1098. They will come and collect the food. Please circulate this message which can help feed many children".

A Childline representative said they are receiving several calls from people who ask them to collect leftover food after a party.

"We tell all such callers that Childline is an emergency helpline that provides help to children who are in distress," the representative said, without giving the exact number of calls.

She said they have even issued a warning on their website.

"We understand there is a chain mail circulating that says - one should call up 1098 to pick up left over food after a party etc so that it is not wasted. This is not true. We are India's only and most widespread Children's phone emergency outreach service (1098) for children in need of care and protection," the message on the website said.

"We do not pick up food or distribute food. This mail was not initiated by us, kindly do not circulate it. Your cooperation is appreciated," it added.

Childline is currently operating at 450 locations, including 76 key railway stations and received about 1.4 crore calls in 2017-18 (till June 30).