It has been a year since Ansar Group started setting up free food counters in its shopping malls for the needy one in Qatar - people who have no money and are unemployed.

The first free food counter opened at the Ansar Mall in Al Khor after the chairman of the group, Ali Akbar, came up with the idea in June 26 last year.

Th Gulf conglomerate's initiative was first reported by Doha News last year, but the kind gesture has resurfaced on social media several times.

The supermarket stocks the counters regularly, but customers are also encouraged to help and contribute to the cause.

Businesses in Qatar extending a helping hand to the needy has been covered by media before. Zaiqa, an Indian restaurant in Industrial Area caught attention of media worldwide in March this year after the owner put up a message outside that said "If you have no money and you're hungry, you can eat for free." [Read Zaiqa story]

Qatar Living visited the restaurant and Snap TV produced a video after the story went viral.

What do you think of business' initiatives to help the needy in Qatar? Leave a comment if you know of any other businesses doing the same.