Akshaya Patra Articles

Why nutrition matters for learning Good nutrition and good learning go hand in hand. India has made encouraging progress in improving child nutrition, with the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21) reporting better nutrition indicators compared to previous years. Yet, for many schoolchildren, access to a nutritious meal remains essential. Where thousands of nutritious meals begin their journey every morning A wholesome meal does more than satisfy hunger. It helps children stay attentive in the classroom, improves concentration, encourages regular school attendance and gives them the energy to participate and learn with confidence. When children are nourished, they are better equipped to unlock their potential… one meal, one lesson and one brighter future at a time. Two ways to feed a nation India's school meal programme, now known as PM POSHAN (formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme), has grown through a mix of approaches. In many places, individual schools cook their own ...

Feeding millions of children freshly cooked, nutritious mid-day meals every day demands much more than large kitchens. For Akshaya Patra, an NGO in India, the success lies in a systematic approach driven by dedicated team members and the support of the government, corporate partners and individuals who share the organisation’s vision – No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.’ Dedication, innovation and collaboration bring meals to millions Over the years, the NGO has not only addressed classroom hunger but has also contributed to improving school attendance, retention and learning outcomes for children across the country. By ensuring access to nutritious meals, the organisation continues to support children’s educational journey and help build a stronger future for millions. Akshaya Patra’s Meal Delivery System For Akshaya Patra , precision, discipline and consistency are important at every level. As an implementing partner of The Government of India’s PM PO...

What does the future of India look like? It may be a child confidently answering a question in a classroom. It may be a young girl discovering a passion for science, a budding artist expressing creativity through sketches, or a future entrepreneur developing ideas that will transform communities. Every nutritious meal served today strengthens the foundations of tomorrow’s India. While discussions about India's future often focus on education, innovation, economic growth and technological advancement, there is a more fundamental factor that underpins each of these aspirations: nutrition. The relationship between nutrition and human development is well established. Adequate nourishment during childhood influences cognitive development, educational attainment, physical health and long-term productivity. Before children can fully participate in learning, they must have the nutritional foundation that enables them to concentrate, engage and grow. Consequently, child nutrition is n...

Why safe meals matter as much as nutritious meals? The hidden backbone of every meal programme When people think about meal programmes, they often think about nutrition, hunger relief or community impact. What is less visible but equally important is the intricate system that ensures every meal is safe to consume. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Food Safety Overview , contaminated food causes illness in nearly 1 in 10 people globally every year, leading to approximately 420,000 deaths annually. Children under five carry nearly 40% of the foodborne disease burden.ily, the stakes are even higher. In large-scale meal programmes, food safety is a commitment to health, dignity and trust. Why food safety is critical in large-scale meal programmes 1. Protecting vulnerable communities Large-scale meal initiatives often serve: School children Elderly populations Disaster-affected communities Low-income families Hospital patients ...

In India’s school education system, the majority of children are enrolled in government and government-aided schools. Most of them come from challenging socio-economic backgrounds where access to nutritious food every day remains uncertain. Hence, implementing child development programmes in schools can create a significant difference. Understanding this, The Government of India came up with a programme called PM POSHAN (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) that aims to reach every child with nutritious mid-day meals. The programme has shown proven improvement in empowering children to study further, achieve the future they dreamt of and thus advancing the nation. Meals for children today,  Empowered nation tomorrow A Brief Look into the Programme’s Evolution The Chennai Origin The roots of India’s school feeding programmes can be traced back to 1925, when the Madras Municipal Corporation introduced a school meal programme at Thousand Lights in Chennai, initially serv...

 The whole world is striving to alleviate malnutrition. In the global efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030, India is making progress as well. However, the issue still persists and the country continues to combat it by implementing initiatives and programmes. Malnutrition: Definition, Causes and Challenges “Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition covers two broad groups of conditions. One is undernutrition, which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals). The other is overweight, obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer).” - World Health Organisation For a balanced diet, dietary diversity is the key. People should follow a diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and ...