Mid-day meal- A Great Source of Nutrition Food for Children in India

“My ambition is to become a doctor so that I can help others and my mother.” For a young age of 12 it is indeed notable because unlike many aims at tender age, this aim has a noble purpose behind it. This is the aim of Deepti Haldhar, a student of 7th standard studying in Government Higher Primary School, Bangalore, Karnataka.

Deepti HaldharDeepti has three sisters and she is the second sibling. Her mother works as a domestic help and single-handedly supports the family. Initially Deepti attended English medium school and due to economical hitches she had to change and join the current school. Yet she never changed her mind from becoming a doctor. She possesses the valuable qualities of being confident, sociable and strong determination. Her compassion towards others in general and towards her mother in specific has made her even more resolute.

We feel gratified that we are able to serve such determined children with at least one fresh and nutritious meal. These children are the vital reason behind Akshaya Patra’s aim to reach out to more and more children across India. While talking about Akshaya Patra’s meal, Deepti describes it as, “tasty, healthy and hot”. She continues saying that, “I love the mid-day meal. Among all the items of Akshaya Patra menu, Bisi bele bhath (a native Karnataka dish made of rice, vegetables pulses and spices), tomato rice, and rice-sambar are my favourites.

With the support of Central and State Governments, generous Corporate and Individual donors and tireless effort of the Foundation has enabled it to provide mid-day meal to 1.3 million children currently. It implements the mid-day meal to provide food for the children studying in Government and Government-aided schools. It is currently operating in 19 locations across 9 states of India. The Foundation places equal importance to food and education and hence has taken up the intent to provide ‘unlimited food for education’ which is also in line with its vision of “No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger”.

For many children and parents, the mid-day meal becomes a huge incentive for coming and sending to school respectively. It acts as an assurance that the children will get one time meal and the goodness of education. It is this education that will help break the cycle of hunger, illiteracy and poverty.

Come ahead and be a part of Akshaya Patra to break this vicious cycle. You can make a choice of the many options available like: be a donor, become a volunteer, host a fundraising event, or spread awareness about the cause Akshaya Patra is working towards. Whatever your choice may be, it is rest assured that every bit of your contribution will certainly make positive impacts in the lives of millions of children in need.