Food and Education

The National Nutrition Week is observed in India from 1 September to 7 September each year. It is a theme-based observation with the 2018 theme being ‘Go Further with Food’. The National Nutrition Week is observed with the objective to spread awareness regarding the importance of nutrition in proper growth and development of people.

Fruits, vegetables, pulses, and cereals are natural source of nutrition and benefit human health in several ways. As part of the National Nutrition Week, today we will explore the nutritional value and health benefits of three fruits: Apple, Banana, and Orange.

Does the phrase ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ sound familiar to you? The crunch and juicy fruit, apple, is a rich source of Vitamin C, dietary fibre, antioxidants and flavanoids. It can be relished raw, as a drink, and also can be used in various recipes such as pies.

Health benefits:
• Vitamin C blocks damages that can be caused by free radicals thereby increasing resistance against infections and diseases.
• B-complex vitamins helps to maintain red blood cells and promotes neurological health.
• The high fibre content in apple helps in moderating blood sugar levels and is beneficial for colon health.
• The various antioxidants and phytonutrients present in apple contribute to good heart health and reduces the risk of hypertension, diabetes and cancer.

The humble yellow fruit is one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world. Bananas are rich source of fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium, including various antioxidants and phytonutrients. Just peel and eat, or turn it into a milkshake, or use it for baked dishes such as a banana cake, bananas will benefit you tremendously.

Health benefits:
• The rich potassium content in bananas help to maintain fluid levels in the body thereby regulating the movement of nutrients and promoting digestion. It helps in muscle contraction, cell response, regulates blood pressure, and reduces the risk of kidney stones.
• High fibre content promotes colon health.
• Dopamine from bananas act as potent antioxidant and promotes healthy nervous system.

The bright orange fruit, orange is a storehouse of nutrients. An orange contains more than 60 flavanoids and 170 different types of phytochemicals which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can either be eaten whole, or in the form of juice and can also be used to add flavour in many dishes too.

Health benefits:
• Consumption of orange may lower the risk of ischemic stroke among women.
• An excellent source of Vitamin C, oranges obstruct formation of free radicals thereby preventing cancer and various skin diseases.
• Oranges support heart health due its Vitamin C, potassium, fibre, and choline content.
• The rich nutrients in orange boosts the immune system, promotes learning and memory, muscle movement and also helps to maintain a healthy nervous system.

The table below indicates that along with providing macro-nutrients, the mentioned fruits are also good sources of micro-nutrients:

Akshaya Patra’s contribution in nourishing children

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a mid-day meal NGO in India. It has been in the service of children since 2000. To improve the nutritional status of children, the NGO has designed its meal menu in a way to provide adequate nutrition to each child to promote health and support education. Currently, Akshaya Patra has a beneficiary base of more than 1.76 million school children across 12 states of the country. The Akshaya Patra meals are rich in natural nutrients of vegetables, pulses, and fruits. And, the result of it can be seen the impact studies done on Akshaya Patra.

Conclusion

As a wrap, Akshaya Patra is striving to provide nutritious meals to more and more children with the objective to provide a strong foundation for the nation’s human resource. Support National Nutrition Week by choosing to donate to end hunger. your donation will be used to provide healthy and wholesome meals to children across India.

Part 1: Nutritional and medicinal values of vegetables

Will a nation prosper if its population dividend is weak, illiterate and unskilled? The instant answer would be ‘No’. Without doubt, the health of a person determines his activeness and zeal to learn and achieve. And, so is true in case of children too. The nutritional status of children determines their age-appropriate physical and cognitive development, energy level, willingness to learn and explore, socialisation, and aspiration to achieve. And, as is said, a strong foundation makes everything built on it stronger and firmer; so, if we provide children with nourishment, education, and talent development, we will be laying a strong foundation for the future progress of the country.

National Nutrition Week

In line with the above thought, the National Nutrition Week is observed annually between 1 September to 7 September with the objective to increase awareness on the significance of nutrition on the overall development of people at a personal level and at a national level. To address each aspect of nutrition and its impact, this particular week is observed with different themes each year, with the theme for 2018 being ‘Go Further with Food’. This year’s theme focusses on the main source of nutrition which we must choose wisely while also exploring nutritious food options from the nature.

Nutritional value of fruits and vegetables

Generally, all fruits and vegetables are nutritious and as a part of the National Nutrition Week, today we will explore the nutritional value and health benefits of three vegetables: Spinach, Carrot, and Brinjal.

A green leafy vegetable, spinach is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. It is also an excellent source of fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and many other micro-nutrients. Spinach can be consumed as a salad vegetable or cooked with lentils and other vegetables.

Health benefits:
• Vitamin C strengthens the immune system;
• Vitamin K is vital for blood clotting;
• Folic acid or Vitamin B9 is essential for cell functioning and tissue growth;
• Iron maintains haemoglobin levels;
• The nitrate content in spinach help in moderating blood pressure levels and decrease heart-related diseases;
• The antioxidants help in preventing cancer, diabetes, and reduce risk of oxidative stress; and
• Zeaxanthin and lutein promote eye health.

A root vegetable, carrot is a highly nutritious, crunchy, and tasty vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. An excellent source for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, beta-carotene, fibre, potassium and antioxidants.

Health benefits:
• The beta-carotene in carrots gets converted to Vitamin A and as commonly known, Vitamin A promotes eye health and immunity along with supporting growth and development;
• Vitamin K1 promotes bone health and is vital for blood coagulation;
• Vitamin B6 is important for converting food to energy;
• Biotin is essential for fat and protein metabolism; and
• Potassium helps to control blood pressure.

An interesting vegetable, brinjal comes in various shapes and colours. From small and oblong to long and thin, the colour of brinjals vary from vibrant purple to green to white.

Health benefits:
• The fibre and antioxidant content in brinjal reduce risk of several lifestyle related health conditions thereby improving overall health and well-being;
• Potassium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6 promotes heart health;
• Polyphenols in brinjal have anti-cancerous properties; and
• Several anti-oxidants promote cognitive function, liver health and regulates cholesterol levels.

The table below indicates that the mentioned vegetables not only provides the essential nutrients but are also sources for micro-nutrients:

Nutrition-rich meals of Akshaya Patra
The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a mid-day meal NGO in India provides nutritious meals to more than 1.76 million school children on each school day across 12 states of the country. To enhance the nutritional status of children, Akshaya Patra has designed its meal menu in a way to include various types of vegetables and pulses. While ensuring that meals are nutritious, it also makes the menu locally palatable and tasty so that children readily and happily consume the served meals daily. Some of the menu items are: rice, bisibelebath, roti, dal palak, sambar, rajma dal, dalma, vegetable pulao, matar paneer, mixed vegetable sabji, and the like.

Conclusion
In short, the National Nutrition Week aims at and encourages a holistic approach for a healthier society. By implementing the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Akshaya Patra is ensuring that children receive ample nourishment during their growth years so that they grow up to be healthy, educated, and resourceful citizens of the country. Be a part of laying a healthy foundation and leading India in the path of properity. Support National Nutrition Week.

Released on World Indigenous Day, ‘The First Learners’ gives us an insight into what education means to children living around the forest regions of Odisha.

Watch it here:

Akshaya Patra’s documentary, ‘The First Learners’, releases on the same day that UN has declared as International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. That is 9th of August. Through the eyes of two beneficiaries and heads of the schools, the film takes you on a journey to the forest and tribal belts of Odisha. The film also gives an insight into the role of education in bettering the lives of children by expanding their ideas and preparing them with a holistic outlook towards their future.

Indigenous People’s Day opens dialogue for global awareness of tribes around the world. The film which features tribes from Odisha addresses their simplicities, complexities and living pattern. Here are the two children whose stories underline the film:

13-year-old Laxmi lives in a quiet village in Odisha and often has to balance between helping out her single mother and receiving an education.

12-year-old Bishnu resides in Jaraikela. Despite dropping out of school for a while, he decided to go back to complete his education.

Tribal children often face difficulties with attaining education due to lack of awareness, and the need to help the family sustain. Despite a progressive change in the trend, the tribal community still lags in literacy rates, in comparison to the general population. Statistics have shown that the female literacy rates in India have gone up greatly, in the last 60 years. However, there is a need to create more awareness among the tribal population about the policies and development schemes made available for them.

Providing mid-day meals to school children whose families live hand-to-mouth has not only led to a growth in school attendance but also growth in awareness on the importance of education despite career choices.

In 1973, the State Government of Odisha set up a school in Ficrochundi forest (Rourkela Division) to make education accessible to children living in the forest area. Ficrochundi Project School with 56 students is an example of why decentralised kitchens are ideal in schools that are surrounded by a tough terrain. In such schools, Akshaya Patra works with Self Help Groups (SHGs) to cook meals at the premises; SHGs usually work in initiatives that cater to development, awareness, leadership and involvement for the benefit of society. The First Learners documentary gives you a visual summary of what a decentralised kitchen is and why it is set up.

The power of the people manifested itself to win India freedom from an oppressive colonial power in 1947 and January 26, 1950, cemented its position in history as a republic. We, the people of India, are the ones who made this Republic; who continue to make this Republic.

Every revolution in the world started with We, the people. The will of the ordinary man fused with that of his/her fellow citizens to form a force. This force, against oppression, against the denial of basic rights, became a movement and permeated the collective conscience of the people. It instigated them to rise in revolt against the forces that kept them from their right to liberty, justice, equality and a decent life.

The preamble of the Constitution of India talks about ‘EQUALITY of status and of opportunity’. One of the important means to ensure this equality is by making education and its fruits available to the children of this great nation, who are brimming with potential. Making this a reality is full of challenges. A study conducted by UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) jointly with Global Education Monitoring Report in 2016, found that 47 million children dropped out of school by Std X. It also revealed that India has the third highest number of out-of-primary school children at 2.9 million, who have never attended school. One of the biggest roadblocks to education in the country is poverty, the study found.

Although the statistics of children attending schools in India is a little worrying, however, there is room for improvement. Our national development plans need to focus on the root cause that is poverty, which has forced many children quit education to support their family. Child labour is one such plague which is a direct outcome of poverty and due to this social and economic differences often families prefer earning instead of educating their children. A proper meal is all that these children look for every day and we as a society need to fight hunger and provide better opportunities to the young minds.

Role of NGOs and role of a social worker is crucial in today’s generation as they help us reach the ground level. We as a part of the society can build a system where children are fed properly and given equal opportunities irrespective if their background. The mid-day meals provided by Akshaya Patra works as an encouragement for all these children who might come from a challenging background but has high hopes and big dreams to achieve.

Akshaya Patra works in partnership with the Central and State governments of India to implement its Mid-Day Meal Programme, the largest of its kind in the world operated by an NGO.

With over 1.6 million beneficiaries in 12 Indian states, the Foundation’s ‘Unlimited Food for Education’ philosophy has fed the dreams of numerous children over the years. Its immediate mission is to feed 5 million children by 2020 every day, with a nutritious school lunch cooked in its ISO-certified, state-of-the-art kitchens.

Let this Republic Day celebration be towards the fulfilment of the dreams of India’s young hearts and minds. Pledge to feed the children and help the nation take a leap towards progress by contributing to a bright future lit with success and education.

The post-World War II world was one that had learnt many painful and valuable lessons from the mistakes of the past.

On December 10, 1948, the United Nations, in a bid to promote equality and assert the rights of individuals across the globe, adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). To mark this occasion, Human Rights Day is observed around the world.

There are 30 Articles describing the rights that constitute the UDHR – civil,  economic, political, cultural, social – that humanity is entitled to. As its Preamble states, ‘this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education  to promote respect for these rights and freedoms  and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.’

Among the 30 Articles, all of exceeding importance, Article 25 recognises the right to a standard of living that ensures the health and well-being, which includes food, housing, clothing, medical care, among other necessities. This is followed by Article 26, which recognises the right to education. Akshaya Patra, with its philosophy of ‘unlimited food for education’, has been striving to ensure that the children of India aren’t deprived of these rights. Classroom hunger is a menace that keeps children from availing these basic rights and thus, affects their future prospects and hampers the realisation of their aspirations.

With one wholesome, nutritious meal a day, over 1.6 million children across 12 states in India have an incentive to attend school, concentrate in class and dare to dream big. Many among these beneficiaries wish to be IAS officers,  doctors, architects, soldiers, engineers – all due to the promise of one meal that is shared with schoolmates belonging to diverse religious, social and cultural backgrounds. Thus, the Foundation’s mid-day meal initiative also fosters social inclusion.

To join Akshaya Patra in the fight against classroom hunger and secure children with the right to food and education, donate here.

At the World Food India 2017, an expo for food processing industry held recently in New Delhi saw the humble Khichdi take centre stage. A team of about 50 people led by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor and supervised the night-long preparations and yoga guru Ramdev Baba put the crowning ‘tadka’ in the dish at the event.

Khichdi, a superfood

Khichdi, might not be a favourite of everyone, but it is a solution to those depending on food supplements as it is rich in all the nutrients. It meets all the requirements in the efforts of the government to Feed the Children.

A World Record to Boot

Promoting khichdi as a ‘Brand India food’ is a good step towards promoting the healthy superfood not only in the domestic, but also in the international market.

At the World Food India 2017, India set a Guinness world record by cooking 918 kg khichdi.

Khichdi was steam-cooked in a giant wok. The entire preparation measured 1,200 kg. Out of this, the wok alone weighed 343 kg. The dish was prepared using multi-grains like rice, pulses, coarse cereals and vegetables.

The minimum requirement to create a world-record was 500 kg. The cooked dish, however, weighed more than the target of around 800 kg set by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor.

Other leading chefs, including Imtiaz Qureshi, Ranveer Brar, Sudhir Sibal, Rakesh Sethi, Akshay Nayyar, Satish Gowda, too helped in the cooking the dish.

It is a wholesome food as it contains most of the nutrients. It also symbolises the country’s unity in diversity.

The khichdi was distributed to orphans by the Akshaya Patra Foundation and a Gurudwara.

Taking Indian superfoods abroad

Move over blue berries, kale, salmon, soya bean etc. While international foods are promoted in India, be it soya bean or others, it is our opportunity to showcase our superfoods to the world.

The new-age Indian chefs are innovating this dish across the world. It has been given an interesting shape these days with the taste suiting requirement of the region.

The mega Khichdi preparation was part of the ‘Great Indian Food Street’ at the global event, being organised along with industry body CII, that features traditional food from more than 20 states.

It took over three months of planning and multiple trials in attempting 800 kg of Khichdi . The dish and recipe will be popularised by Indian foreign missions and the Government to ensure it is part of restaurants and kitchens around the world.

Importance of Khichdi

The study by the Gurgaon-based Food Analysis and Research Laboratory has found that a 300 g pack of ready-to-eat khichdi from Akshaya Patra would give 94.81 kcal per 100 g and 100 g would have 3.10 g of protein.

With Children’s Day to be celebrated on November 14, the dish will yet again be in the limelight when it will reinforce the commitment to provide high quality nutritious food to schoolchildren.

The Mid-Day Meal Guidelines set by Government prescribes the following nutritional content to achieve the objectives of the Scheme in the mid-day meal:

The Khichdi alone in the Mid-Day Meals of Akshaya Patra is able to provide a significant portion of the nutritional needs of the children and helps fight Hidden Hunger. Donate to Akshaya Patra to feed the children with nutritious food.

A basic necessity – food, sadly, is instead a luxury to millions of people across the world. The World Food Day, commemorated on October 16, to mark the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in the year 1945, raises awareness about critical issues pertaining to hunger and poverty, placing a great emphasis on food security through its themes, which differ every year. In 2017, the theme for the day is ‘Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development’.

Food security is a concern for people across the world, particularly in conflict zones. Poverty-stricken population in developing countries are susceptible to food insecurity. Political instability and food insecurity form a mutually-sustaining loop that is difficult to break, leading to an endless cycle of poverty, malnutrition and hunger.

In India, food insecurity, coupled with issues like hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiency), complicate matters further. In August this year, news reports suggested that the Central Government had advised State Governments to ensure mandatory fortification of food items like wheat, edible oil and salt in mid-day meals for school children. Statistics of the 4th National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) revealed that in nine of India’s States and Union Territories, less than one-third children were stunted, while in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Meghalaya, more than 40% of children were found to be so. Over 50% of the children are anemic in 10 of the states and Union Territories.

Akshaya Patra is doing much to battle hidden hunger, because the right kind of nutrition is as important as food security for the population. In Karnataka, 4,45,698 children in 2,665 Government schools benefit from the Foundation’s school lunch which includes rice fortified with 7 micronutrients; these include folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron. Projects such as these, when implemented across India and the world, go a long way in helping the cause of nourishment-for-all and take the world a few steps closer to the dream of a secure future.

This World Food Day, let’s come together to ensure that every school-going child is well-fed and educated. Feed them today!

Giving. The word holds much power. It denotes overcoming a very human instinct – that of wanting to possess. This week, India celebrates the biggest philanthropic event – Daan Utsav (Joy of Giving Week 2017) – to encourage, recognise and applaud the spirit of generosity.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation would like to thank our generous donors for all the contributions they have made to us in the past and hope we continue to receive your support. While giving is often equated with cash or gifts, one need not always part with material wealth or possessions as an act of generosity and kindness. There are some gifts that hold enormous value and are touchingly personal in nature. Here are some of them:

Time
Time is valuable, irreplaceable commodity. Devote some time to people in need of your attentions, affections, advice or comfort. In a world that is rushing past quicker by the millisecond, with careers and aspirations taking the front seats when it comes to priorities, stopping by to give someone your time is a wonderful thing. Once gone, a moment is lost forever, so make the most of the chances you have today to make a gift of your time.

Patience
Patience is a virtue. It is precious because it isn’t intrinsic, but needs to be cultivated. One of the biggest reliefs is when someone is patient with your flaws and shortcomings. Making an active effort to be patient, with oneself and with others, is a gift that not only brings success in the long run, but also contentment and happiness to oneself and others.

Empathy
To judge another is easy. It takes little mind and heart to do that. To empathise, though, is entirely difficult. Putting oneself in the shoes of another, understanding their motivations and empathising with them, even though one doesn’t agree, is a courageous thing to do. Much hatred and bigotry in the world comes from lack of empathy, so this is one gift that could be the key to a kinder future.

Trust
The events that dominate public consciousness by means of news and information are largely negative in nature. In such times, trust doesn’t come easily. Being able to offer one’s trust to a fellow human being also means putting oneself in a vulnerable position. Those who take the risk and trust others, convey to people that they really care and are willing to go the extra mile for them.

Love
Iconic musical outfit, The Beatles, hit the right note when they sang, All You Need Is Love. The antidote to strife, violence, selfishness and despair most certainly is love. The biggest gift one can give to another is that of unconditional love. It leaps beyond the boundaries of time, distance, caste, creed, nationality, beliefs and religion and to create a magical experience for those giving, as well as those receiving it.

As India celebrates the spirit of philanthropy with Daan Utsav 2017, we wish you avail the joys of giving by donating the material resources at your disposal, along with your time, patience, empathy, trust and love and spread the light!

International Literacy Day, observed on September 8 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), commemorates its 50-year anniversary in 2016. This day recognises the importance of literacy and promotes it through engagement on national and international levels. It is being celebrated under the banner ‘Reading the Past, Writing the Future’ this year.

According to the 2011 census, India’s literacy rate was 74.04% (82 .14% among males and 65.46% among females). The nation has made strides in literacy rate, with active efforts from the Government and organisations like The Akshaya Patra Foundation through its initiatives like food for education, but there is still a long way to go. The cause of literacy must certainly be on the top of the agenda for social improvement, as high rates of literacy benefit the individual and society in numerous ways. Here are some of them:

Brighter career prospects
Being able to read and write enhances the promise of a brighter future and financial security. Literacy fuels the pursuit of education, which is a prerequisite if one has to make a mark in society and bring about a revolution.

Boosts confidence and creates better self-image 
The ability to read and write instills confidence in people. The very act of being able to understand the written word and express oneself in writing is empowering, both socially and psychologically.

Increases social and political awareness  
Literacy is one of the key cornerstones of a society that is conscious of its strengths and limitations and mindful of important happenings in the nation and the world. This enhances the public sense of social responsibility, powered by greater awareness.

Helps in discovering the joy of books, new worlds and new ideas 
Perhaps the most magical part about being able to read and write is the pleasure of being able to become lost in books. Discovering new worlds, ideas, stories and philosophies expands one’s worldview and makes them appreciate the staggering diversity of thought and culture in the world.

A keystone to nation-building and economic progress 
Literate, well-educated adults make it possible for a country to reach the summit of economic progress. This kind of development is inclusive, with equal growth opportunities for people from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Literacy can also help combat gender inequality – a major concern that needs to be addressed throughout the world.

Let’s come together to educate the children of India. While this would help them in their personal growth, it will also take the country towards positive development. Donate for education in India today to support the cause.

As we celebrate World Population Day on July 11, a fear that lingers in the mind of every individual is a recent report by the United Nations, which states that the population in India will cross the 1.44 billion mark by 2024. It is estimated to be more than that of China, which is the most populated country today.

The Global Hunger Index released in 2016 by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) rates India as a country with ‘serious’ hunger levels. It further states that about 15 per cent of the population of the nation is undernourished. Adequate food intake, both in quantity and quality, is missing. It is a well-known fact that a hungry child cannot absorb lessons easily. And with the growing population, eliminating hunger should start from the basic.

There are various ways hunger affects education:

It affects their cognitive development: A child’s faculties develop during early childhood. Its brain develops quickly. Without the right proportion of protein, nutrients and energy in its meal, the child’s cognitive development would be greatly hindered. Therefore, a nutritious meal plays an importance role in the child’s development.

Increases behavioral problems: A hungry child can easily get irritated. They often face the feeling of being unattended to, may face several health conditions, would lead a stressful life, could face psychiatric distress and other conditions like depression, anxiety, withdrawal, and poor self-esteem. To raise a healthy citizen who would contribute to the positive development of the country, feeding them a wholesome nutritious meal is important.

Harms body structure and confidence levels: It is common to find that an undernourished child weighs less than his or her ideal body weight when compared to the height. Hunger can even cause weight gain, as unhealthy fare seems more appealing when hungry — especially the foods that are high in sugar and sodium. Both these conditions, caused due to hunger, can hamper their confidence levels. They could feel the need to be confined to their comfort zones, which would affect their learning.

Causes long-term health issues: Hunger leads to undernourishment, which impacts their immunity. Children who experience hunger are more likely to contract short-term and long-term diseases. This would force them to drop out of school or they might be absent for a longer duration.

Increases school dropout rate: Due to unavailability of food, children are forced to go out and take up work to sustain themselves and their families. As they grow up, the job becomes the priority and they prefer to drop out of school.

Increased efforts to reach out to all children, even in remote locations, can help us eliminate illiteracy due to hunger. Join us in our efforts to provide nutritious meals to children every day. Sponsor a child!