Maintaining food security during difficult times: An experience of COVID-19 in Kerala

Abstract Lockdown linked to the COVID-19 pandemic generated food security associated panic among the general population. This article is an exercise to document actions taken by the Government of Kerala to prevent people from starving during such difficult times of lockdown. Inclusive interventions such as provision of dry ration free of cost, operating community kitchens and engaging in direct cash transfers were some of the highlights of the measures taken by the Government in Kerala to address the food crisis in the state. These efforts are evidence for the government’s commitment towards managing the crisis and this was possible through the involvement of effective decentralized governance through local self-government institutions and community organizations.