1.7 million children are fed each day by over 6000 employees

....Akshaya Patra

"This Labor Day we would like to thank our over 6000 employees, a third being women, for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that 1.7 million children are fed each day," said Akshaya Patra.

“No matter what happens, we have to deliver food to all schools on time. No matter what,” says Someshekara. Though it is no easy task serving freshly cooked food to more than 17,000* children everyday, he helps Akshaya Patra’s Mangalore kitchen meet its high standards through constant supervision and strict adherence to a timeline. His work gives him a great sense of satisfaction, he says. “Many people in our Mangalore kitchen, especially the ladies, are here simply because we serve children. They’re not here out of necessity. We all work very hard. Everyone has to contribute and help everyone else out. That’s very important,” he says with pride.

Someshekara D, Supervisor, Mangalore kitchen
 M. P. Ramesh, who has worked with the Akshaya Patra’s kitchen in Mysore for nearly 5 years, is responsible for ensuring that the texture and flavor of food prepared is at its best. He knows exactly how long the rice should be cooked, when the spices need to go in and how much water needs to be added to give it the right taste and consistency. From 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. when cooking in the kitchen takes place, Ramesh carefully oversees every item that goes into the cauldrons.

M.P.Ramesh, Kitchen employee, Mysore kitchen
 “I have been employed by The Akshaya Patra Foundation for the last six years. I joined as a driver of the van which delivers food to schools everyday. What was a job in the initial phase has now become a passion as I see the children waiting for the van everyday. I am a man of humble means and even if I wish to, I cannot bring about much change in their lives. However, I strongly believe that in some way or the other, I am contributing to the future of these children.”

Prakash Rao, Driver
 “I joined Akshaya Patra last year as a cook and was amazed to see the quantity of food that is cooked everyday. This is my first job and it has given me an opportunity to not only support the education of these children but also my two small sisters, who will not have to give up education like me. I am pleased to be a part of this splendid mission….lives are truly changed for good.”

Jatin Kumar, Cook
 The Akshaya Patra Foundation operates 37 kitchens across 12 States in India.
Together, we are feeding India’s future. 

AKSHAYA PATRA UNDERTAKES KERALA DISASTER RELIEF FEEDING WITH ITS MAKESHIFT KITCHEN

Akshaya Patra has set up a temporary kitchen to prepare and distribute food and are also dispatching packed food and water bottles to Alapuzha.

 Most of the dishes are prepared in coconut oil to suit the local palate. Dishes like boiled rice and sambar, vegetable pulao, tomato rice, upma, cahapati & curry are served. An average of 7,000 -10,000 meals are being served every day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is prepared in a college auditorium.

 While the rising water levels have wreaked havoc, the locals have played a major role in ensuring the smooth flow of relief and ensured food distribution. In places where the vehicles can’t be operated, boats are being used to deliver the food. 
 Carrying forward the Foundation’s relief efforts, three more temporary kitchens as well as a kitchen in the neighboring region of Coorg, Karnataka, is being set up. - New locations being Alleppey, Kerala and two in Kushalnagar and Madikeri (Karnataka)
The feeding cost of the relief efforts amounts to Rs 3 lakh per day. We request your generous support in helping us reach out to more survivors.

 Apart from the feeding program, Akshaya Patra team intends to take up Cleaning & reinstating school infrastructure in the affected areas of Kerala. We have received encouraging response from college going volunteers of Bangalore to support with the drive.