According to Upanishads,

This hymn means, “Food is Brahma. Just because of food, all the creatures take birth. Only food sustains all living beings’. It is in fact true that by offering food, one can satisfy living beings. Food is vital for human beings. Hence, serving food freely (Anna-Dana) is a great virtue. Sri Swamiji gives a lot of importance to Anna-Dana, wherever he is. Every day thousands are fed freely in the Mysore Ashrama. All the devotees and public who throng the Mysore Ashrama during festivals and other special occasions are fed in this way. Accordingly, in Machilipatnam Ashrama also, every day Anna-Dana is performed at 12:00 noon. Anyone can come forward for this auspicious activity. Anyone can dedicate Anna-Dana seva on days of special importance for them -like birthday, marriage anniversary, ceremonies of their ancestors, etc.- and serve food to the poor personally or with the help of Ashrama staff.

This is a coin-box, which should be kept in the place of worship in the home. Every day in the morning after taking bath, the devotees are advised to chant the divine name the Lord (nama-smaranam) for as long as possible. Also, the devotees are advised to drop as much money as they wish and start on their daily chores and activities. This not only results in removing all obstacles, but also bestows great peace of mind. As and when the coin-box is full or whenever convenient, the devotees can hand it in the Ashrama. A receipt is given for the amount thus handed. This money is made use of for the daily Anna-Dana seva, making the devotees ‘Anna-Datas’.

Sri Datta Humane Services is a volunteer corp dedicated to the service to Sri Swamiji & His Ashramas and social related programs in India. The main motto of this work force is to be one of serving humanity with love, affection and all concern under the guidance of Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji and as per His plans. Discipline, Dedication, Devotion and Discretion are the four pillars of strength of this work force. In essence, this is an organization meant to serve the services of Sri Swamiji. Many of our volenteers attend various blood and medical camps on behalf of Dattapeetham and Ashrams conducting them and serve people to spread the message of our sadguru.