Sigma Research and Consulting Pvt Ltd, one of India’s leading survey companies, recently conducted an impact study on Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal programme titled ‘Assessment of Mid-Day Meal Programme in 8 States’. The study aimed to determine the need, impact and continuance of this school feeding programme – by Akshaya Patra particularly, as well as in general.

The study analysed the programme across all three verticals of centralised and decentralised kitchens, and Anganwadi centers. The study was undertaken keeping in mind the four main objectives of Akshaya Patra’s programme which are: elimination of classroom hunger; bringing about social equity; providing adequate nutrition and health; increasing school enrolment, retention and attendance.

The study was conducted across 17 locations in 8 states of India (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Chhattisgarh).

Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques, some of the results the study yielded were:

• All the states showed above 85% daily adequacy and availability of food. Gujarat was the highest with 99%
• Social equity was high with Odisha ranking highest at 99.2% and Assam, at the lowest, was not far behind with 89.9%
• The food served in all the states is extremely healthy and hygienic
• All the states showed impressively high attendance rates above 90%. Gujarat ranked highest with 99.6%

Analysing the data received, we were happy to see that the overall performance of every state was very high, with Gujarat coming out on top. It has also been heartening to see the positive impact that Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal programme has had in fighting classroom hunger in India, eliminating social inequality and providing proper nutrition to children. This study has strongly reinforced the Foundation’s dedication to the cause and our desire for continual improvement in the future.

Read a summarised report of the impact study here.

There is nothing more impressive than nurturing young minds in encouragement of social entrepreneurship. And that’s what the Jagriti Yatra, started by the not-for-profit organisation Jagriti Sewa Sansthan, is all about. This initiative is a 15 day journey across the length and breadth of India that culminates in the 450 entrepreneurs applying the lessons they have learnt in the Biz Gyan Tree initiative in the Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh.

Through their travels so far these entrepreneurs have had the opportunity to understand the business model behind Karnataka’s Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya which is powered through solar energy, been trained in brand building at Chennai’s Royal Enfield Factory and taught operations and scalability at Akshaya Patra’s kitchen in Visakhapatnam, amongst others. Akshaya Patra was extremely proud to have contributed to the education of these eager entrepreneurs.

Explaining what is expected of these young ‘yatris’ Shashank Mani, Chairman of Jagriti Sewa Sansthan says, “This initiative allows hands-on experience of starting your own business with Deoria district as a setting. Now that the students have got a macro picture of India’s local businesses, it is time to work on-field, understand the problems of the villagers and come up with solutions.”

After these educational tours the participants will spend time in eight villages of Deoria speaking with local farmers, owners of small businesses and schools to devise business proposals. From these 20 proposals will be selected for a four month residential exercise in the month of March. Based on the best innovation, achievability and local relevance, the four best groups will be chosen and awarded a Rs. 1 lakh grant to help them start their business.

These creative initiatives coupled with young inventive minds are certain to bring about a positive change in the lives of citizens all over India. Akshaya Patra is honoured to have been chosen as an example of innovation for this programme, and looks forward to future involvement in this worthy cause.