A tiny thought can plant seeds for a million dreams. The thought “No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger” led to the beginning of The Akshaya Patra Foundation in 2000. It started feeding 1,500 children in five Government schools of Bengaluru, Karnataka. On identifying a strong relationship between food and education, the Foundation extended its service to provide mid-day meals to children in other states as well. By providing unlimited food for education of children, it gained national and international recognition to become the world’s largest NGO-run school lunch programme.
The NGO in India has completed 20 years of becoming an implementer of the Mid-Day Meal Programme. During these years, it has supported the feeding of 1.8 million children studying in 19,039 Government and Government-aided schools of India. The Foundation is spread across 52 locations in 12 States and 2 Union Territories of India and feeds wholesome meals to mid-day meal beneficiaries. When a disaster strikes the nation, the Foundation has always provided food-assistance to victims of the catastrophe.
In the last 20 years, Akshaya Patra has worked on a public-private partnership basis, which includes partnership with The Government of India, State Governments, corporate partners and millions of individual donors. On every single day hot, nutritious, locally palatable meals are provided to children. The NGO in India has received appreciation for its mid-day meal service in India.
Akshaya Patra’s 20 Year Journey
20th Anniversary celebration amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Normal life was affected; labourers and daily-wage workers lost their job. Akshaya Patra joined hands with the Government of India and started the COVID-19 Relief Service. As a part of this programme, cooked meals and grocery kits were distributed to the needy people of India and their families. It has served a cumulative of 10-crore meals amid the crisis.
Here is a glimpse of Akshaya Patra’s service over the years –
Also, schools were shut and mid-day meal beneficiaries were bereaved of wholesome meals that were probably the only healthy meal they consumed in a day. To continue its core service towards school children, the organisation initiated the Happiness Kits Programme. Every Happiness Kit supports the nutritional, hygiene and educational aspects of children.
To know what goes into the Happiness Kit, click here.
You can donate online as a part of Akshaya Patra’s 20th Anniversary to help children get nurtured and nourished. All your support will help them gain food, education and a healthy future.
