In a world grappling with climate change, sustainability is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. At The Akshaya Patra Foundation, sustainability is not just an add-on. It’s built into the very heart of our mission to provide nutritious mid-day meals (MDM) to over 2.25 million children across India every school day.

As the world celebrates Global Energy Independence Day, we reflect on how Akshaya Patra kitchens are gradually taking up becoming several environmentally responsible innovations. These kitchens nourish more than just children—they quietly support a shift toward sustainability, clean energy and a healthier future.

Kitchens built for long-term impact

In our journey to serve nutritious mid-day meals to schoolchildren, scale could have been a challenge. Instead, we’ve turned it into an opportunity. Most of our kitchens set an example of how green technology can coexist with high-volume efficiency.

With thoughtful choices like solar power, cleaner transport and efficient waste practices, Akshaya Patra kitchens quietly set a new standard for mid-day meal programmes.

Solar kitchens: Clean power, clean plates

Our kitchens are tapping into the sun to cook millions of mid-day meals every day. With 2,793 kW of solar capacity installed across 34 kitchens, we’re reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

One standout is the Akshaya Patra kitchen in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, which operates entirely on solar energy—producing even more electricity than it consumes. This not only supports grid independence but also sets a powerful precedent for clean cooking in institutional kitchens.

Turning waste in to fuel and water in to wisdom

The sustainability story doesn’t stop with electricity. Thirteen of our kitchens are equipped with biogas plants that convert food waste into cooking fuel—turning 10,000+ kg of daily organic waste into clean energy. That means fewer emissions, less LPG use and smarter waste management.

Water is another key focus. Rainwater harvesting, recycled cleaning systems and efficient pre-rinse sprays help us conserve one of our planet’s most precious resources. Digitising our water tracking systems is the next leap forward in our green evolution.

Green transport: Reaching schools with a lighter footprint

Delivery is crucial in any MDM programme—but it doesn’t have to be carbon-heavy. Our growing fleet of 100+ electric vehicles (EVs) travels 1,800 km per month each, cutting over 418 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Local sourcing further reduces transport needs while supporting farmers. In rural kitchens, up to 70% of ingredients are sourced locally. In urban areas, this ranges between 25–40%, reflecting our commitment to regional resilience and sustainability.

A culture rooted in sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just policy—it’s a mindset. Our team members undergo regular training on energy and waste management, and many green ideas come directly from them—like solar dryers, reusable steam systems, and low-flow water taps.

We extend this awareness beyond our kitchens to the communities we serve. Through school campaigns and environmental education, we’re nurturing the next generation of climate-conscious citizens.

Scalable solutions for a better future

What sets us apart is scalability. Whether it’s a solar panel or a biogas digester, our systems are designed to be replicated—not just by us, but by any MDM provider looking to go green. We’re proving that operational scale and ecological integrity can go hand in hand.

Looking ahead: Feeding the future, sustaining the planet

On this Global Energy Independence Day, Akshaya Patra reaffirms its commitment to clean energy and sustainable mid-day meals. As technology evolves, so will our kitchens—but our mission remains constant: to feed children while preserving the world they will inherit.

Because at The Akshaya Patra Foundation, we believe that true nourishment goes beyond the plate—it powers lives, empowers communities and regenerates the Earth.

Join us on our journey. Support a meal. Support sustainability

Do you want to spend your time doing something worthwhile? Have you always wanted to be the beacon of change and make a difference in the world? Are you unsure where to start? The experience you seek may come from your internship at The Akshaya Patra Foundation – an NGO that serves hot and nutritious mid-day meals to children studying in government schools.

Most of our interns commit to a one-month to three-month internship period. We, at Akshaya Patra, will be glad to have you on board if you want to stay longer.

Our internship programme provides an opportunity to gain an insight into the development sector through hands-on grassroots work and to make a real contribution. Interns get an opportunity to work in every area of our programmes and can spend a substantial amount of time in the field.

Offering top-notch internships, we give NGO interns the chance to:

• Gain knowledge from professionals in the field
• Work in an environment that enables them to hone both new and current abilities
• Assimilate knowledge gained from their academic pursuits
• Participate in the growth of one of the best NGOs while working in a diversified setting
We offer internship opportunities all year round, although summer and winter internships are prioritised according to the needs of students and volunteers and the academic institution’s calendar.

We have a programme of onboarding 4-6 interns throughout specific times depending on the requirement and resources available.

The interns in our NGO are required to commit to a minimum of four weeks to ensure continuity and measurable results. To officially start the internship period, the interns are first introduced to our services and programmes and then their skill set is matched with the organisation’s current needs. This carefully thought-out approach transforms internships from a random collection of activities into a fruitful endeavour for both the organisation and the interns.

What interns say

“Interning at The Akshaya Patra Foundation has been a great experience. I could be a part of the NGO’s mission. As an intern, I got a chance to work on various projects such as scholarship, operations, communications and impact assessment. The experience gave me valuable insights into non-profit management, social impact strategies and the challenges and rewards of working in the social sector. I am very grateful to Akshaya Patra for allowing me to work with industry experts and hone my professional skills.”

If you are interested in interning with Akshaya Patra, please send an email to jobs@akshayapatra.org with your most recent resume.