Akshaya Patra’s story is one of vision, innovation, and service — a journey that began in Hubli, Karnataka, and has since evolved into a globally respected model for school-feeding programs.
Founded in 2000 with the mission that no child should miss school because of hunger, the Foundation started by serving 1,500 children in five Bengaluru schools. Its major turning point came in 2004 with the launch of its Hubli mega kitchen, an ISO 22000–certified facility that soon became the center of many of Akshaya Patra’s technological innovations.
The Hubli kitchen is known not only for scale but also for sustainability. It features rainwater harvesting, an algae-based effluent treatment plant, and ongoing efforts to adopt solar power and waste-to-energy systems. These green practices reflect the Foundation’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility.
Akshaya Patra’s centralized, mechanized kitchen model allows it to produce large volumes of hygienic meals efficiently — a system that gained global attention and recognition, including a Harvard Business School case study. To maintain food safety during transport, the Foundation also uses specially designed, heat-insulated delivery vehicles.
As the organization expanded, it strengthened its public–private partnership model, working closely with the Government of India under the PM POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal) scheme, supported further by corporate and individual donors.
Today, Akshaya Patra operates numerous centralized and decentralized kitchens across several states, serving millions of schoolchildren every day. Its focus extends beyond scale to quality, governance, and transparency. Computer-controlled kitchen systems ensure consistency and safety, while annual reports highlight its commitment to accountability and sustainability.
Looking ahead, the Foundation aims to deepen its impact—feeding more children, advancing eco-friendly practices, and building stronger partnerships to reach every child in need.
From a small kitchen in Hubli to a global benchmark in social service, Akshaya Patra stands as a testament to how technology, dedication, and compassion can nourish a nation.
