If you are traveling via the Thrissur-Shoranur Road, you must stop by the Freedom Food Factory. At the first look, it looks like any other food joint - that is until you notice the cashier wearing the police uniform! No, this is not a themed restaurant but an actual initiative by one of the most important correction and detention centres in Kerala - The Viyyur Central Prison.
In an effort to address people's concerns and preconceived notions regarding convicts and also provide a means of income to the prison inmates, the officials of the centre came up with a foolproof plan in 2011 - a joint selling takeaway Chapathi and Chicken curry at affordable rates. And just like that, the Viyyur centre became synonymous with the iconic combination. Those in and around the area who were returning home from work or travelling through Shoranur road always made it a point to stop, and grab a takeaway. Why not, with prices so affordable and food so tasty!
Slowly and surely, the Freedom brand became a sign of hope, both for the prisoners and the hungry. Over the years, there have been improvements in variety and efficiency -they even have a board with real-time information on the availability of each of the items. The result? A wait time of less than a minute, and a menu complete with biryani and baked goodies.
So the next time you are in the area, remember to do your bit and help a homie, since what money can't give, respect sure can!
In an effort to address people's concerns and preconceived notions regarding convicts and also provide a means of income to the prison inmates, the officials of the centre came up with a foolproof plan in 2011 - a joint selling takeaway Chapathi and Chicken curry at affordable rates. And just like that, the Viyyur centre became synonymous with the iconic combination. Those in and around the area who were returning home from work or travelling through Shoranur road always made it a point to stop, and grab a takeaway. Why not, with prices so affordable and food so tasty!
Slowly and surely, the Freedom brand became a sign of hope, both for the prisoners and the hungry. Over the years, there have been improvements in variety and efficiency -they even have a board with real-time information on the availability of each of the items. The result? A wait time of less than a minute, and a menu complete with biryani and baked goodies.
So the next time you are in the area, remember to do your bit and help a homie, since what money can't give, respect sure can!
