Our Unique Approach

Akshaya Patra feeds over 1.3 million children every day
during the school year in various parts of India using two
operational models for its kitchens: centralized and decentralized.
The centralized kitchen model leverages technology to increase
efficiency, lower costs and maintains high standards of quality.
The decentralized kitchen model is for rural areas where
transportation costs are high due to road conditions and
the large distance separating villages.

Delicious, Local Food

The lunches prepared by Akshaya Patra are professionally managed,
nutritionally balanced, hygienic, as well as tailored for regional
diet preferences.In the South, children are provided
rice, sambar (lentils with vegetables) and yogurt, whereas
the students in the northern states are served chapati (whole wheat bread),
sabzi (vegetables) and dal (lentils).

Supply Chain Efficiency

By leveraging technology in cooking and delivery, Akshaya Patra has helped to build a global standard of supply chain efficiency. It has also put in place forward and backward linkages to ensure that procurement is done directly from the local farmers and delivered to the beneficiaries in the most cost-efficient manner. By sourcing its food stocks from local markets, Akshaya Patra is able to reduce costs associated with transportation and food spoilage while supporting the local economy. It insulates the program from the food shortages seen in other parts of the world. The Akshaya Patra method has been embraced by the local farmers, teachers and the communities surrounding each kitchen.