Akshaya Patra's new kitchen in Panvel aims to go beyond serving nutritious mid-day meals and provide thousands of children hope, health, and education for a brighter future
The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a leader in school mid-day meals, recently inaugurated its 68th kitchen in Panvel, Maharashtra, marking an important step towards fighting classroom hunger and promoting education. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Deepak Vasant Kesarkar, Minister for School Education and Marathi Language.
With the capacity to prepare 20,000 nutritious meals daily, the kitchen will serve over 10,000 children across 70 local schools, aligning with the government's PM POSHAN programme. This venture emphasises sustainability and is supported by patrons like Vandana and Ravi Tilak, the Sarva Mangal Trust, and the Saxena Family Foundation. Powered by solar energy to the extent of 70 percent, the kitchen also contributes to water conservation.
In adherence to ISO food safety standards and boasting a 5-star FSSAI rating, the Panvel kitchen signifies The Akshaya Patra Foundation's unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering community participation for a brighter, more nourishing future.
This centralised kitchen, an embodiment of hope and health, offers a meticulously crafted menu featuring local favourites like mixed dal, pulao, and sweets. This is in line with the foundation's commitment to providing not just sustenance but also a diverse and nutritious diet to the children.
In a commendable effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Akshaya Patra plans to introduce electric vehicles for its distribution fleet in Panvel, aligning with sustainable practices. The Panvel kitchen, certified for food safety standards, represents the foundation's enduring commitment to nurturing young minds, fostering community participation, and promoting healthy eating habits.
As the foundation embarks on this new chapter, the Panvel kitchen stands not just as a building but as a beacon of hope and health for thousands of children in Maharashtra. The Akshaya Patra Foundation's holistic approach is reflected in its continuous efforts to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children beyond the realm of meals.