Question

Direction: Read the following scenario and answer the THREE questions that follow.
During the floods of 2018-2019, a group of philanthropists led by Niyabuddin, wished to open free food centre for the needy. Their motto was that “no human should be hungry.” Nothing gives more satisfaction to the philanthropists than to see the hungry eat to the fullest.
Post Covid-19, the group started a food centre by the name Win Borne Life Care Food (WBLCF) in a small town called Palakkad. The centre started gaining popularity as the number of people enjoying free meals increased over time. Initially, WBLCF offered a standardized menu consisting of idli, upma, puttu for breakfast, curd rice for lunch, and idli or upma for supper. Six women were employed by WBLCF to prepare all the meals. As the number of diners increased, they started expecting a variety in the menu.
At WBLCF, not all the diners eat "free": while two-thirds of diners get free food, one-third would donate some amount to a transparent charity box kept at the entrance. For example, a man donated Rs. 500 after consuming two idlis, and a woman approached Niyabuddin and inquired about donating 10 kilogrammes of rice. Those who could not afford to donate, were often seen prostrating worshipfully in front of the charity box.
Some caring individuals made monetary donation while others donated rice, fruits and vegetables to WBLCF. Further, the centre received enquiries from many locals on how they could contribute to the cause.
As the centre was lauded for its philanthropic work by people of the town, Niyabuddin intended to replicate the initiative in the nearby districts. However, he is concerned about the cost that goes into running the centre. Almost 75 percent of the donated amount goes into buying the cooking ingredients, while the rest goes into paying salaries, operations and maintenance costs.
From the following, choose the MOST important challenge that Niyabuddin has to overcome to sustain WBLCF.

• A. Having enough cooks and employees
• B. Attracting enough diners
• C. Preparing only local dishes for diners
• D. Paying salaries to employees
• E. Getting enough finances and donations

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

To determine the most important challenge that Niyabuddin must overcome to sustain the Win Borne Life Care Food (WBLCF) center, we need to consider the scenario and the options provided.

The scenario outlines the origin of the WBLCF center, its growth, and its positive impact on the community. A notable detail is how the center operates: two-thirds of diners receive meals for free while one-third contribute through donations. The functioning of the center heavily relies on these donations, as they account for the cost of operations, predominantly the purchase of ingredients, and payment of salaries.

The key points from the scenario include:

• WBLCF started with a standardized menu and employed six women to provide meals.
• Diners range from those who cannot pay to those who make various types of donations.
• A significant portion of donations (75%) is used for purchasing cooking ingredients; the remaining is for salaries, operations, and maintenance.
• Niyabuddin wishes to replicate the center's model in nearby districts but is concerned about operational costs.

When examining the options for the most significant challenge, consider the operational dependency on finances:

1. Having enough cooks and employees: Though important, the challenge is mitigated by the initial six women employees catering to popular demand.
2. Attracting enough diners: The center is already gaining popularity, and increasing diner numbers drive the necessity for variety.
3. Preparing only local dishes for diners: Although variety might be a concern, it is not depicted as critical in terms of operational survivability.
4. Paying salaries to employees: While salaries are crucial, the primary concern is how they are funded.
5. Getting enough finances and donations: Explicitly stated in the scenario, a substantial portion of operational costs is supported by donations, which are imperative for sustainability.

Given WBLCF's reliance on donations to cover essential operating costs and expand future initiatives, the most important challenge for Niyabuddin is Getting enough finances and donations.