September is Hunger Action Month. Communities, NGOs and other organizations call upon for support to provide food relief to people belonging to challenging economic backgrounds.

690 million people worldwide are affected by hunger
with
381 million undernourished people living in Asia

With the present COVID-19 situation, it is estimated that 130 million more people will slip into the chronic hunger bracket by 2020. Given the pandemic, we need to take tangible steps to fight hunger; hence, the Need to Feed is NOW!

To tackle this situation, various NGOs including The Akshaya Patra Foundation have come together to provide food to the people in need. Akshaya Patra is an Indian NGO that works in tandem with the Government of India and various State Governments to implement the Mid-Day Meal Programme. Along with its core cause, this NGO steps in to provide food relief during crisis situations such as flood, cyclone, earthquake, and is currently serving the needy amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Akshaya Patra’s COVID-19 Food Relief Service
Akshaya Patra and its Associate Foundations started the COVID-19 Food Relief Service on 25th March 2020 and have served a cumulative of 7.8-Crore meals. The NGO has served 4,57,17,685 cooked meals and distributed 7,87,570 grocery kits across 19 states of India – Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tripura, West Bengal, Punjab, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

Akshaya Patra’s Happiness Bags Programme
Out of the 690 million hungry people, 14 million children under the age of five worldwide suffer from severe acute malnutrition.
and
COVID-19 has kept 90% of all students out of school, which in turn reversed the years of progression on education.

Reason being this, apart from feeding migrants and daily-wage workers, Akshaya Patra initiated the Happiness Bags Programme for its mid-day meal beneficiaries.

Each Happiness Bag is packed with contents that support health and immunity, hygiene and education of children. Every bag provides:
• Immunity and nutrient-rich food items – glucose biscuit packs, peanuts, jaggery, double fortified salt, ragi flour, turmeric powder, and sambar powder.
• Hygiene kit with tooth brush, tooth paste and soap for all beneficiaries and a pack of sanitary napkin for girl beneficiaries.
• Study materials – an activity book, crayon set or colour pencils, Classmate notebook and pens or pencils.

Your contribution towards Akshaya Patra ensures no one goes hungry amid the prevailing pandemic. Your support provides nutritious meals to the needy thereby directly addressing acute, chronic, and hidden hunger.

This Hunger Action Month, go the extra mile to defeat hunger! Donate Now!

Imagine how life was in school.
Every problem seemed little when you had your friends to share your joy and sadness.

A study found that friendships provide social support and companionship, which can significantly predict the well-being and protect against mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

Friendship Day honours such relationships that are strong and unbreakable. It is celebrated across the globe on different days to encourage global bonding. In India, it is observed on the first Sunday of August. (In 2024, it will be celebrated in India this year on 4th August.) This is the day when one can see teenagers and children tying threads and bands to each other, as a mark of celebrating the promise of long-lasting friendship.

Friendship Day is a day celebrated to uphold this special bond. Why? Because friends have a special place in our lives.

Friendships mature according to our age; but as children, it is all about sharing likes or dislikes and being with each other.

83% of children regularly spend time with close friends in schools.

Schools are a place where friends support you and help make the right choice and decision, no matter what.

Here is a story of how friendship supports Purvi Vadapudi, a 12-year-old studying in 6th standard from The the Government Higher Primary School (G.H.P.S) Ramalingeshwara Nagar, Hubballi, Karnataka.

Purvi is adored by everyone, owing to her helpful nature and positive attitude towards situations. Pavitra Subhash, one of Purvi’s classmates, says, “Although she is our friend, it feels that we are more like sisters. She is there for us and helps us whenever we need it. She habitually corrects me whenever I make a mistake while studying and revising. Even though she is a topper in class and great in academics, she is very humble.”

Having such friends gives many reasons to be happy and the joy is shared when they connect over mid-day meals served in school. This Friendship Day, celebrate friendships that have helped you surpass difficult times and donate in the hope that many such friendships surface through the medium of food.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an NGO that feeds mid-day meals to children studying in government and government-aided schools. When you celebrate for a cause and donate online, you become the bridge forprovide children an avenue to socialise and make friends while they savour their daily school meals.

Tie a virtual friendship band with your support. Spread the joy of meals this Friendship Day!
Celebrate with Akshaya Patra.