Fact Check: Child helpline does not collect, distribute leftover food, viral message is false

Social media users claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a helpline so that leftover food could be distributed among needy children. Users said people could call on 1098 and handover the leftover food for further distribution among the needy children

People have been requested to forward the message.

Fact Check

The viral message is a hoax.

NewsMeter began its investigation by performing a keyword search, which led us to a report published by Business Standard on July 16, 2018.

The report was titled, 'Childline issues clarification after receiving calls for collecting leftover food.'

According to the report, "Childline, the nationwide emergency helpline for children, has issued a clarification that it does not collect leftover food from parties after a spam mail suggesting it circulated online."

"We understand there is a chain mail circulating that says - one should call up 1098 to pick up leftover 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. We do not pick up or distribute food. This mail was not initiated by us, kindly do not circulate it. Your cooperation is appreciated," the report said.

Various other mainstream media including The News Minute, and India Today had also reported about the viral message being circulated on social media.

The team lastly found a tweet by Childline on March 17, 2018. "RT Beware of a False Chain Mail says to call 1098 to dispose of leftover food. Our lines have been jammed because of this and children can't get the help through us," read the tweet.

It is therefore evident that the claim made through the viral message is a hoax.

The viral message has been doing rounds over the past several years.