BAPS encourages youths to organize local food drives by collecting canned and packaged dry foods for soup kitchens and shelters. After collecting non-perishable food items from members in the community, youths distribute these items at local soup kitchen themselves. The latter part of this process teaches them to respect people from all walks of life. These initiatives also teach them to appreciate what they have and to learn to share with those in need. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has taken an interest in these programs by encouraging youths to visit inner-city slums and distribute food to the less fortunate. Thousands of people are fed through these programs. The Mid-afternoon Meal program organized by BAPS and the Delhi Municipal Government supplied warm meals to more than 3,000 school children and teens. BAPS youths organized and managed the entire campaign near the Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Delhi.