The Akshaya Patra Foundation began as a modest initiative in 2000, serving meals to 1,500 children in five government schools from a small kitchen in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Today, the organization has grown into a significant public-private partnership, providing nutritious meals to over 2 million children daily across 15 states and 2 union territories in India. The Foundation’s impact, operational scale, and government collaboration make it a model for other NGOs and an excellent platform for students and emerging social work professionals to make a tangible impact in India’s social sector.
This blog explores the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s mission, its operational scale, the transformative power of partnerships, and how students and social sector leaders can engage with and learn from this distinguished organization
Vision:No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger
Mission: To feed 3 million children every school day by 2025. the Foundation’s mission is to provide wholesome mid-day meals to children, supporting their health, education, and future opportunities. By alleviating classroom hunger, Akshaya Patra addresses two fundamental issues: child malnutrition and educational disparity.
Growth and Impact:
Akshaya Patra’s success lies in its operational scale and strong public-private partnerships. With support from the Government of India and various state and local authorities, the Foundation implements the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme, serving meals in over 20,000 schools and anganwadis. In 2022-23, the Foundation received ₹377.63 Cr from government funding, a significant contribution towards its annual income of ₹755.57 Cr.
The collaboration with agencies like the Food Corporation of India (FCI) ensures a reliable supply of food grains, enabling the Foundation to deliver quality meals to children.
Akshaya Patra’s extensive logistics network spans 67 locations, covering 15 states and 2 union territories. To ensure fresh, nutritious meals reach millions of children daily, the Foundation has invested in advanced kitchen infrastructure, such as centralized and decentralized kitchens that handle massive meal production while maintaining quality standards.
Opportunities for Students and Young Professionals
Young Leaders Collective (YLC) Fellowship: The Young Leaders Collective (YLC) is a six-month fellowship program designed for individuals across sectors who are passionate about social change. The fellowship provides hands-on experience in the social sector, allowing participants to leverage their skills and network to contribute to positive social transformation. YLC fellows work alongside Akshaya Patra’s team, gaining a deep understanding of nonprofit operations, program development, and impact measurement.
Internship and Volunteering Opportunities
Beyond the fellowship, Akshaya Patra offers numerous internship and volunteer opportunities across various functions, from fieldwork and fundraising to program management and communications. These roles allow students and young professionals to explore different aspects of nonprofit work, develop practical skills, and make meaningful contributions to a mission-driven organization.
For students interested in pursuing careers in the social sector, Akshaya Patra provides a professional environment to build expertise in areas such as:
Program Development and Management: Working on the design, execution, and evaluation of initiatives aimed at child nutrition and education.
Operations and Logistics: Managing large-scale food distribution networks, ensuring meal quality, and optimizing resource utilization.
Advocacy and Community Engagement: Liaising with government bodies, corporate partners, and communities to build awareness and support for the Foundation’s work.
Fundraising and Donor Relations: Developing partnerships and securing financial support from local and international donors.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation exemplifies how a vision-driven, professionally managed organization can create a profound social impact. With its comprehensive approach to combating hunger and supporting education, the Foundation serves as an ideal partner for MSW/BSW students and young professionals seeking experience in the social sector. For NGO leaders, Akshaya Patra stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships, operational efficiency, and community impact at scale.
To learn more about The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s impact, check out their Annual Reports and Impact Reports for detailed insights into their operations, outreach, and achievements.
For current job openings and internship opportunities, visit thier Careers Page
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Information presented is sourced from public domains. For complete accuracy or any clarifications, please refer to the official Akshaya Patra Foundation website.
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