Observed every year on April 7, World Health Day highlights the importance of building a healthier world for all. Led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), this global observance raises awareness about key health challenges and encourages collective action. World Health Day is not limited to medical care, it also draws attention to everyday factors like nutrition, hygiene and access to basic necessities that shape overall well-being.

World Health Day serves as a timely reminder that good health begins with strong foundations, especially during childhood. By focusing on preventive care and healthy habits early in life, we can help create lasting positive outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

Why Child Health Needs Attention

Children represent the future and their health is central to sustainable development. Proper nutrition during the early years supports physical growth, strengthens immunity and enhances cognitive development. Without access to balanced meals, children are more vulnerable to infections, fatigue and developmental delays.

On World Health Day, the focus on child health becomes even more relevant. A healthy child is more likely to attend school regularly, stay attentive in class and actively participate in learning. In contrast, poor nutrition can create barriers that affect both health and education outcomes, making it harder for children to reach their full potential.

The Role of Nutrition in Building Immunity and Growth

Nutrition plays a critical role in shaping a child’s overall well-being. Balanced meals that include essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins and minerals that help build stronger immune systems, support healthy weight and height, and improve energy levels.

Initiatives like the PM POSHAN initiative contribute significantly to this effort. By providing children with consistent access to nutritious food, this programme helps reduce the risk of malnutrition and supports better health outcomes with wholesome mid-day meals. It also ensures that children have the energy needed to engage in both academic and physical activities throughout the school day.

Linking Nutrition with Education Outcomes

The connection between nutrition and education is closely interlinked. Hunger can make it difficult for children to concentrate, leading to reduced classroom participation and irregular attendance. A well-nourished child, on the other hand, is better equipped to focus, learn and perform.

The programme addresses this challenge by making nutritious mid-day meals accessible within the school environment. This not only supports health but also encourages school attendance and retention. On World Health Day, it is important to recognise how such interventions contribute to both improved learning and overall development.

Nakusha

Ajmer, Rajasthan

My name is Nakusha Bhat. I study in class 8 in Rajkiya Uccha Madhyamik Vidyala Kishanpura. My mother stays at home and works in the field. My father is a driver and works from 8 in the morning till 5 in the evening. I want to become a Singer because my father and grandfather sing bhajan and everyone is interested in it. I am learning to play the harmonium.

The food we get at school comes from Akshaya Patra’s kitchen. They serve dal and rice, khichdi, naan khatai and fruits like banana and guava. I like khichdi and naan khatai the most.

Rahul

Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

My name is Rahul Gadri. I study in Class 5 in Rajkiya Ucch Madhyamik Vidyalaya, Sirodi, in Chittorgarh. My parents, Roshanlal Gargi and Ranidevi and my elder brother, Hitesh, are farmers. I take care of the family’s livestock. I milk the buffaloes, bathe them, take them out for grazing and even make dung cakes for fuel. My whole day goes by spending time with my buffaloes. I want to start my own animal husbandry centre. I will complete graduation because to run a business, you need to be educated too. I enjoy milk, daliya and dal-rice served at school. The food is tasty.

Our Role as an NGO in India

As an NGO in India, we are part of a broader ecosystem working towards child health and nutrition. At Akshaya Patra, our efforts are centred on providing freshly cooked meals to children in government schools, with a focus on quality, safety and nutritional value.

Through our work, we aim to support better immunity, sustained energy levels and consistent school participation among children. We recognise that addressing hunger is an important step towards improving both health and education outcomes at scale.

A Collective Responsibility

World Health Day reminds us that ensuring child health is a shared responsibility. Governments, organisations, communities and individuals all have a role to play in creating a supportive environment where children can thrive.

If you would like to contribute to this effort, you can choose to donate online and support the nutrition of children who rely on school meals. Even small contributions can help extend access to nutritious food and make a meaningful difference.

Moving Towards a Healthier Future

On World Health Day, the importance of consistent, everyday actions becomes clear. Ensuring access to nutritious meals is one such step that can have a lasting impact on a child’s life.

By supporting initiatives like the PM POSHAN programme, we move closer to a future where children are healthier, more active and better prepared to learn and grow.

From 1,500 Children to 2.35 Million: Our Journey of Growth

In 2000, our journey began by serving mid-day meals to 1,500 children in five schools in Bengaluru. Today, Akshaya Patra has become one of the most trusted NGOs in India, serving over 2.35 million children in 16 states and 3 UTs. Through a network of kitchens equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities, we meticulously prepare hot, nutritious meals and deliver them to children in more than 23,000 schools across the country.

The use of large, specialised equipment, such as cauldrons, rice chutes and the introduction of roti-making machines in 2002 marked a significant technological innovation in the Mid-Day Meal Programme, improving efficiency while ensuring consistency and quality.

These tireless efforts that continue for more than two decades reached serving 5 billion meals and is commemorated on 17 March 2026 by Droupadi Murmu, The Honourable President of India, along with Dharmendra Pradhan, The Honourable Minister of Education at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

Why Mid-Day Meals Matter?

Various studies have proved that MDM plays a crucial role in improving child nutrition, enrolment, attendance and academic performance. In many Indian households, having three square meals a day is still a challenge. Mid-day meals are one of the main reasons why many children come to school every day. For them, these meals are the primary or maybe the only source of daily nutrition.

We have been fortunate to witness many of them building their future, because meals have played a vital role in pursuing their studies. When daily nourishment is ensured at schools, parents send their children to school, which in turn helps them continue their education. So, just one meal can be the reason a child breaks the cycle of poverty that circles in a family, generation after generation.

Child’s Taste Preferences are Crucial for MDM Success

In India, culinary diversity is vast, and so are the taste preferences of the children we serve. What a child eats in the North is different from those in the South and East. Keeping this diversity in mind, menus are designed, thoughtfully prepared, adhering to the local palate and meeting the Government’s nutritional guidelines. While children in the South are served rice-based dishes like sambar and rasam, those in the North receive rotis, dal, and other local staple foods.

Significant Milestones in our Journey

2000 – Begins with feeding 1,500 children in 5 schools in Bengaluru
2003 – Becomes the first NGO to be part of a Public-Private Partnership in the School Feeding Programme
2009 – Celebrates our first milestone of serving 500 million cumulative meals
2012 – 1 Billion cumulative meals
2016 – 2 billion cumulative meals, commemorated by then President, Pranab Mukherjee
2018 – Received National Award for Child Welfare from Ram Nath Kovind, the Former President of India
2019 – 3 billion cumulative meals in the presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi
2024 – 4 billion cumulative meals commemorated at UN Headquarters, New York
2026 – 5 Billion cumulative meals at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi

Support our Cause. Make an Online Donation

If you wish to join this hunger-warrior tribe, make an online donation today. Your contribution helps us serve nutritious mid-day meals to children. Together, let’s walk towards the vision – No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.

This growing support and the smile of 2.35 million children are the ultimate testament to the trust placed in us.

Akshaya Patra’s Recap 2025

Committed to a purpose of making lives better with nutritious meals, 2025 brought us significant milestones:

• Celebrated 25 years of service

On 11 November 2025, Akshaya Patra marked its 25th anniversary of feeding children. On this day, we commemorated our journey that started in 2000 with 1,500 children in five schools in Bengaluru, which has now grown to serve mid-day meals to 2.35 million children across 16 states and 3 UTs. In 2025 alone, we served 480 million mid-day meals and 120 million morning nutrition servings.

• Inaugurated the first centralised kitchen in Goa

In March this year, Dr. Pramod Sawant, the Honourable Chief Minister of Goa, inaugurated our 78th kitchen and the first one in Goa. It has the capacity to prepare up to 5,000 meals. Like in other states, we serve meals adhering to the local palate, such as chapatis, batata bhaji, vatana bhaji, vegetable korma, idli, sambar, soya chunks, mixed-veg pulav, etc.

• First centralised kitchen in Bihar

Akshaya Patra is gearing up to begin its journey in Bihar. In June, the Bhoomi Pujan of the Foundation’s first centralised kitchen in Bihar was held. Sunil Kumar, the Honourable Minister of Education, laid the foundation stone of the facility, which is expected to improve attendance and nutritional status of thousands of children across Patna district through MDM.

• Bhavnagar kitchen is fully powered by solar.

With 93.9 kW solar capacity installed, the Bhavnagar kitchen in Gujarat is now operates entirely on solar power. This not only eliminates the electric bill of the kitchen but also reduces the carbon footprint, a significant milestone in our efforts to protect the greener future that the community we serve deserves.

• Delhi kitchen delivery fleet is fully electric

The meal delivery fleet across Delhi has become fully electric, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is another testament to our sustainable operations under the MDM initiative.

• Featured in prestigious Forbes Magazine

Akshaya Patra has featured in Forbes, the magazine that sets a benchmark for organisational excellence. The article describes Akshaya Patra’s journey, the hurdles we face and the vision they looking forward to achieving.

Awards Received:

• NGO Leadership Award – National Awards for Excellence
• Best CSR Impact Maker of the Year in CSR Health System Strengthening Project – 9th CSR Health Impact Awards
• Food Safety Culture Award 2025 – India Food Safety Conclave (IFSC) at the Bangalore International Centre
• Best Civil Society Organisation Award – 11th Asian Centre for Corporate Governance & Sustainability

Fundraising Charity Events

• Golf for Good Charity Tournament
The funds pooled through the charity tournament supported 1,400 children’s mid-day meals for an entire academic year.

• Music for Meals – Agam
Carnatic progressive music band, Agam, joined a charity concert that helped us strengthen our MDM efforts.

Feeding Humanity

A glimpse of our servings during times of devotion and crisis:

• Maha Kumbh Feeding
Served over 10,36,230 meals to the devotees at the Maha Kumbh

• Disaster Relief Feeding
– Served meals to flood–affected people in Solapur (Maharashtra), Ajmer (Rajasthan), Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh) and Badarpur (Assam).
– Provided food support to residents in Dehradun & Chamoli during landslide
– Distributed grocery kits to displaced families in Jammu & Kashmir during cross-border escalations

Story of Hope

Behind every mid-day meal is a dream waiting to sprout

Looking ahead

A mother never says no when her child is hungry. Like a mother who never lets her child go hungry, we strive to ensure that ‘No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.’

Though we can’t match a mother’s meals, your support can help us come close. Help us feed children like mothers do. Donate Now.

The organisation works in partnership with the Government of India under the PM POSHAN (MDM) programme, preparing and delivering freshly cooked, nutritious food every school day. Over the years, this initiative has not only helped reduce classroom hunger but has also improved enrolment, retention and overall child well-being. While nutrition remains the core mission, Akshaya Patra recognises that responsible service must also consider environmental sustainability.

Why Sustainability Matters

Large-scale meal distribution involves extensive transportation and fuel consumption. As organisations grow their outreach, it becomes important to ensure that operational efficiency aligns with environmental responsibility. Sustainable logistics helps reduce emissions while ensuring that essential nutrition programmes continue seamlessly.

By adopting eco-friendly transportation methods, Akshaya Patra strengthens the long-term impact of mid-day meals, ensuring that the effort to nourish children also contributes toward building cleaner and healthier communities.

Akshaya Patra’s EV Initiative

In its commitment to sustainability, Akshaya Patra has introduced electric vehicles (EVs) into its meal delivery fleet. Traditionally, transporting meals across cities and rural areas relied heavily on conventional fuel-based vehicles. The introduction of EVs marks a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency and reliability in the meal distribution system.

Today, Akshaya Patra operates over 100 EVs in its delivery fleet, strengthening its environmentally responsible logistics framework. The Foundation has also implemented route optimisation strategies, resulting in 8–12% improved fuel efficiency across transportation operations. These efforts ensure timely and efficient delivery under the school meal programme while contributing toward sustainable mobility solutions.

Impact of EV Integration

The adoption of EVs has generated measurable environmental benefits. Akshaya Patra’s transition toward electric mobility has helped save approximately 418 tons of CO₂ emissions annually, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with delivering mid-day meals across multiple regions.

Beyond environmental advantages, EV integration also demonstrates how large-scale nutrition programmes can successfully balance operational efficiency with sustainability goals. By strengthening green logistics, Akshaya Patra continues to enhance service reliability while contributing to climate-conscious development.

How You Can Support

Community participation plays a vital role in expanding both nutrition and sustainability initiatives. Individual donations help strengthen meal programmes and enable the Foundation to expand eco-friendly delivery systems such as EV integration. Every contribution supports the continuation of essential nutrition services while helping build greener transportation solutions.

Supporters can also encourage awareness about responsible and sustainable feeding initiatives. Continued donations ensure that nutritious meals reach children consistently while helping the organisation scale environmentally responsible logistics.

CSR Partnerships with EV Focus

Corporate partnerships play a crucial role in strengthening sustainability initiatives. Akshaya Patra actively collaborates with organisations interested in combining social impact with environmental responsibility. CSR collaborations can support fleet electrification, charging infrastructure, and expansion of green delivery models.

Companies partnering with Akshaya Patra contribute to a meaningful dual impact, strengthening child nutrition programmes while supporting climate-conscious operations. Through strategic donations and CSR engagement, corporates can help accelerate the transition towards sustainable meal delivery systems.

Driving Nutrition with Sustainability

Akshaya Patra’s EV initiative reflects a forward-looking vision where classroom hunger relief and environmental stewardship move together. By delivering nutritious food through sustainable logistics, the Foundation continues to redefine how social impact programmes can contribute to a greener future. Through collective effort and continued support, every meal served becomes a step toward nourishing children and protecting the planet.

Different Names. Same Festive Spirit

Dedicated to Lord Surya, this Harvest Festival sees families coming together to express gratitude for the blessings they received in the past year and pray for a prosperous one ahead. It is celebrated in different names in different regions. For instance, in Tamil Nadu, it is Pongal, in Kerala, Makaravilakku; in Andhra Pradesh, Peddha Panduga; Makar Sankranti in Maharashtra and Goa; Uttarayana in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, Maghi Sangrand in Punjab and many more. Though the core festive spirit remains the same, each region has its own rituals, traditional food and cultural richness.

Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar calendar, marking the Sun’s journey from south to north. Beyond its cultural and regional variations, Makar Sankranti also holds deep spiritual significance in Indian mythology. In the Mahabharata, Bhishma Pitamaha, who had the boon of Ichha Mrityu (death at will), lay in the bed of arrows for six months, wounded, waiting for the Uttarayan period to leave his body. This is another example that shows the auspiciousness of this time, inspiring us to perform good deeds and spread positivity.

Feed Children. Donate on this Occasion

As Makar Sankranti marks the end of Malmaas, an inauspicious period in Panchang (the Hindu calendar), it is an ideal time to perform good deeds like feeding children. As the Sun moves north – the abode of Kubera, the god of wealth, it brings positivity and blessings, dispelling negativity from our lives.

On this festival of nature’s abundance, support Akshaya Patra’s school feeding efforts. As an organisation feeding nutritious meals to 2.35 million children every day, we rely on the generosity of people like you to continue this endeavour.

With a contribution of ₹1,500, you can feed a child on this Sankranti for an entire academic year. Your support helps children:

• Sit in class well-nourished
• Stay active and energetic
• Play and enjoy childhood
• Improve their attendance
• Perform well in academics

By participating in festival donations, you can bring hope, health, and happiness to thousands of children this Makar Sankranti.

This Makar Sankranti, let your generous side shine brightly as the rising sun. Make a Makar Sankranti Donation today and ensure that every child is well-fed in kindness.

The Importance of Education and the Role of Scholarships

Education extends beyond academic instruction – it builds confidence, nurtures aspirations and equips students with essential life skills. However, for many children from underserved communities, continuing education, particularly beyond school, can become difficult due to economic pressures. Scholarships play a vital role in bridging this gap by offering financial support, stability and encouragement.

As an NGO in India working closely with government schools, we have witnessed how timely educational assistance can prevent dropouts and motivate students to aim higher. Scholarships also recognise merit and perseverance, reinforcing the belief that dedication and hard work are valued and rewarded.

About the Akshaya Patra Scholarship Programme

The Akshaya Patra Scholarship Programme supports students who demonstrate academic commitment but require financial assistance to pursue further education. Building on our long-standing engagement with children through school meals, this initiative extends our support beyond nutrition to education.

Through Akshaya Patra scholarships, students are enabled to pursue higher education that enhances employability and long-term self-reliance. The programme reflects Akshaya Patra’s holistic approach to child development, nourishing both the body and the mind.

Objectives of the Scholarship Programme

The scholarship programme is guided by clearly defined objectives that focus on long-term educational and social impact. These objectives include:

• Supporting young minds in achieving academic and career excellence by reducing financial barriers
• Inspiring a sustained passion for learning by highlighting positive outcomes and role models
• Strengthening access to education and skill development across all levels
• Reducing dropout rates in higher education through consistent academic support
• Contributing to the national vision of “Shikshit Bharat, Viksit Bharat”

These objectives form the foundation of the programme and guide the selection and support of scholars.

Eligibility Criteria and Benefits

The scholarship programme follows a transparent and structured process to ensure that support reaches students who need it most. While specific criteria may vary depending on the scholarship category, general eligibility includes:

• Students who have completed Class 10, PUC, or Graduation from government schools or colleges
• Consistent academic performance with a CGPA of 8 or above, along with regular attendance
• Minimum qualifying marks:
  PUC: 50% in Class 10
  Graduation: 55% in PUC
  Post-Graduation: 60% in Graduation, 55% in Class 12, and 50% in Class 10
• Students residing in Akshaya Patra-operated locations
• Selection based on a merit-cum-need approach

How to Apply for Akshaya Patra Scholarships

The application process is designed to be simple, accessible and student-centric. Eligible students may apply through referrals from government schools and government educational institutions. Each application undergoes careful review to assess academic merit and financial need.

Selected students are guided through the subsequent steps with clarity and ongoing support, ensuring continued engagement throughout their academic journey. The process prioritises transparency and the best interests of the student.

Our Contribution to Education Beyond Meals

As an NGO in India with a Pan-India presence, Akshaya Patra recognises that sustainable impact requires addressing multiple dimensions of a child’s life. Beyond providing meals, our educational initiatives help students remain in school, pursue higher education and work towards long-term independence. Those who wish to support this effort can also donate to help extend educational opportunities to more deserving students, ensuring that aspirations are not limited by circumstance.

 PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) Programme

Our flagship initiative, the Mid-Day Meal Programme, is implemented in partnership with the Government of India and various state governments. Every school day, we provide freshly cooked, nutritious meals to more than 23,000 government and government-aided schools. This initiative not only ensures that children are nourished but also helps reduce dropout rates and improves learning outcomes for children.

Support the school meal programme and help children learn on a full stomach.

 Morning Nutrition Programme

To ensure that children start their school day on the right note, we serve ready-to-eat snacks as part of our Morning Nutrition Programme. Active in six states, this programme provides fortified energy snacks, milk, and other wholesome options. By complementing the mid-day meals, morning nutrition helps children stay attentive and active throughout the day.

Contribute to the Morning Nutrition Programme and give children the energy to begin their day right.

 Anganwadi Feeding

We believe that good nutrition must begin at the earliest stages of life. Through our Anganwadi Feeding Programme, we provide hot, nutritious meals to toddlers, as well as expectant and lactating mothers. This supports healthy physical and cognitive development during the crucial early years and aids in the Government’s efforts to tackle child malnutrition.

Donate to the Anganwadi Feeding Programme and nurture healthier childhoods.

 Feeding Homeless Mothers

Many homeless and destitute mothers face the harsh reality of hunger daily. Through this initiative, we provide aged women living in ashrams, with wholesome meals that restore health and dignity. Supporting this programme not only nourishes women but also gives them a peaceful retired life.

Extend your support to senior mothers and help them live with dignity.

Impact and Sustainability

For more than two decades, Akshaya Patra has served more than 4 billion meals. Our state-of-the-art kitchens, some equipped with biogas plants and solar technology, demonstrate our commitment to scale, quality and sustainability. Each meal we serve is more than just nourishment; it is a promise of hope, dignity and a brighter future.

Voices that give you a clear picture

Manoj Nayak (Father of Parvati Nayak, 4th grade, 124 No. Hatigarh Metelimedhi LPS, Jorhat)

27-year-old Manoj Nayak is the father of two children. The older one, Parvati Nayak, is a 4th grade student of 124 No. Hatigarh Metelimedhi LPS, Jorhat, Assam. She attends school with her 6-year-old brother, studying in 1st grade.

“My children are happy with the lunch served in school. They don’t feel like eating anything when they come home, even if their favourite dish is made. The meals cover the breakfast they skip at home. Every day, they come home and tell us how tasty the food is. They are delighted with it.”

C H Kavitha, Warangal

I come to the Anganwadi centre every day. Eating here helps keep me and my baby healthy, walking to the centre keeps me active and I learn a lot by talking to the women and teachers here. I’ve been coming here for 3 months since the pregnancy was confirmed. At home, I’m not able to eat as much as my body needs. Eating here feels safe for women like us. And I can also eat more while talking to women like me. When I deliver, I’ll surely send them here to eat.

Shobha Daasi

On behalf of every mother living here, I heartily thank Akshaya Patra and all the donors for taking care of our food. I love the food we are served. The menu changes every day and amongst all the dishes my favourites are paneer curry and kheer. I wholeheartedly bless everyone involved with the NGO and wish them further growth.

At Akshaya Patra, every initiative we undertake stems from a singular belief: no one should go hungry. From children in schools to aged mothers in the ashrams, from toddlers in Anganwadis to families struck by disasters, our feeding programmes are designed to serve with compassion and scale. With your support, we can ensure that hunger never stands in the way of potential, dignity or hope.

Join us in our mission. Your contribution today can transform lives tomorrow.

Pitru Paksha – Origin and its Significance 

The significance of Pitru Paksha has its roots in ancient times. One of the renowned references can be found in the story of Karna in the Mahabharata. After his death in the battle of Kurukshetra, he went to heaven. His soul was hungry and when he asked for food, he was only offered gold and jewels. When Karna asked the reason behind this, Yama, the God of death, informed him that while he has given a lot of gold and wealth to poor people, he had never offered Tarpan to his ancestors.  

Lord Yama told him that one can only receive what he has given to others or what their descendants offered in their name. Since he lost all his sons in the war, there was no one to perform these rites for him. Karna asked Lord Yama to allow him to go back to Earth to perform his duties to his ancestors. Yama granted him 15 days on Earth to offer food and water to his ancestors. This period is known as Pitru Paksha.  

Rituals and Ancestors’ Blessings 

Pitru Paksha culminates with Mahalaya Amavasya. On this day, people perform Shradh Puja to bring peace to the departed souls.  The key rituals include:  

• Tarpan – An offering of water mixed with sesame, barley and darbha grass, which is believed to quench the thirst of the ancestors.  

• Pind Daan – A ball made of cooked rice or barley with sesame seeds, honey and ghee. The word Pind means body and Daan means charity. The Pind symbolises the physical form of the deceased. 

Through Shradh Puja, families perform these rituals to honour ancestors and to aid their journey toward peace. The rituals usually conclude with acts of charity, showing gratitude towards ancestors. One way to do this is by feeding those in need. 

Feed Children. Support Akshaya Patra 

Feeding others is the biggest tribute you can give to your ancestors. This Pitru Paksha, you can honour your ancestors by supporting Akshaya Patra’s efforts to serve mid-day meals to 2.33 million children across India. With a network of kitchens in 78 locations across 16 states and 3 UTs, we nourish both children and their dreams. 

By making a Pitru Paksha donation, you can 

• Meet their nutritional needs 

• Keep children in schools 

• Improve their concentration 

• Empower children from marginalised communities 

When you feed children, you are not only pleasing the past generation with your generosity but also building a better future.  

Your Pitru Paksha Donation can Make an Impact 

Nourish a child in honour. As you offer Tarpan, secure a child’s future with the promise of mid-day meals. On this day, let’s bond together for a cause whose impact lasts for a lifetime.  

Support our vision – No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.  

₹1,500 feeds a child for an academic year 

DONATE NOW 

Why Morning Nutrition Matters

Every morning, many children come to school without having a proper breakfast. As a result, they are low on energy in the early morning hours, which, in turn, hinders their cognitive function and leads to reduced attentiveness in the classroom. In the long term, this can lead to gaps in learning and hamper their academic performance.

While the Government of India’s flagship PM POSHAN initiative (Mid-Day Meal Scheme) addresses long-term classroom hunger and malnutrition, the hours between children coming to school and lunch break remain crucial for learning and attentiveness. The Morning Nutrition Programme directly addresses this gap by providing ready-to-eat protein-rich snacks.

The mid-day meal meets about 35-40 percent of a child’s daily nutritional needs. Add to it the morning nutrition component, and it increases to 60-65 percent. The programme has double benefits: first, children are more likely to arrive at school on time, and second, they are less likely to be distracted or fatigued during lessons. Simply put, the Morning Nutrition Programme can boost our collective efforts towards improving children’s health and learning potential.

In fact, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 states, ‘The morning hours after a nutritious breakfast can be particularly productive for the study of cognitively more demanding subjects.’

Making an Impact

In just six months, we have served over 45 million morning energy snacks to schoolchildren across India. Our goal is to serve 200 million servings every year. By leveraging our existing mid-day meal infrastructure, i.e., a network of kitchens covering 23,000+ schools across 78 locations in 16 states and 3 UTs, we can deliver these snacks at no additional administrative cost for mid-day meal beneficiaries.

As a part of Akshaya Patra’s Morning Nutrition Programme, beneficiary children receive ready-to-eat protein-rich snacks, such as millet and peanut chikkis, roasted chana, protein bars and puffed rice snacks. Each serving delivers between 150-235 calories and 4.5-9.6 grams of protein.

Alignment with UN SDGs

The Morning Nutrition Programme is a strategically designed School Feeding Programme (SFP) component, which complements the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Programme by building on the same. In doing so, it aligns closely with the goals of national initiatives such as PM POSHAN while also contributing to global development agendas like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), directly SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 4 – Quality Education and indirectly SDG 1, SDG 5 and SDG 10. It also supports India’s long-term developmental vision under the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework.

You Can Make a Difference

For ₹1,160 a year, or just ₹5 a day, you can ensure a child starts every school day nourished, energised and ready to learn. Your support will help us reach more children, energise more minds, fuel more dreams and give every child’s school day a powerful start.

When you donate online to support the Morning Nutrition Programme, you help ensure that no child has to forfeit learning because of coming to school on an empty stomach.