Panvel, January 06, 2024: The Akshaya Patra Foundation has inaugurated its 68th kitchen in Panvel, Maharashtra, becoming the 4th kitchen in the state. The new centralized unit supports the government's PM POSHAN program, aiming to provide hot, nutritious mid-day meals to over 10,000 children in 70 local schools, addressing classroom hunger and promoting education.
Key supporters, including Ms. Vandana and Mr. Ravi Tilak, the Sarva Mangal Trust, and the Saxena Family Foundation, played vital roles in realizing this initiative. The kitchen, capable of producing 20,000 meals daily, will initially serve 10,000 meals across 70 local schools, with plans to expand its reach.
Emphasizing sustainability, over 70% of the kitchen's power comes from solar energy, and water conservation is prioritized through integrated rainwater harvesting. The project also contributes to the local economy by offering employment to 50 locals and 100 women indirectly.
In a bid to reduce carbon footprint, the foundation plans to introduce electric vehicles (EVs) to its delivery fleet, aiming to have all vehicles in Panvel, Mumbai, converted to EVs by the end of January 2024. Each EV will serve over 1,800 children.
“It is a pleasure to inaugurate the 68th kitchen of the Akshaya Patra Foundation. The school mid-day meal is extremely important for students’ development. The Prime Minister’s PM Poshan scheme is truly a great initiative, and institutions such as The Akshaya Patra Foundation which are involved in this noble cause should be encouraged. It is the duty of the government to support such activities, and I assure you that the government of Maharashtra will always stand by you,” said Shri Deepak Vasant Kesarkar, Cabinet Minister for School Education and Marathi Language, Government of Maharashtra.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Amitasana Dasa, President, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are proud to inaugurate our new kitchen in Panvel today. It would not have been possible without the support of our anchor patrons, Ms. Vandana and Mr. Ravi Tilak from the USA, Sarva Mangal Trust, and the Saxena Family Foundation. We are also immensely grateful to the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra for providing us with this opportunity to nourish the bodies and minds of the future of our country. Akshaya Patra kitchens are not just buildings where meals are cooked. These kitchens are a beacon of hope and a testament to our vision: ‘No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger’.”
Mr. Sridhar Venkat, Chief Executive Officer, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “It is with immense gratitude and pride that I stand before you today to celebrate the inauguration of The Akshaya Patra Foundation's newest centralized kitchen in Panvel, Maharashtra. This remarkable facility, our 68th kitchen nationwide and 4th in Maharashtra, marks a significant milestone in our journey towards eradicating classroom hunger and promoting education. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Shri Deepak Vasant Kesarkar and all the dignitaries for their invaluable support and presence today. A special acknowledgement goes to our patrons, Ms. Vandana and Mr. Ravi Tilak, the Sarva Mangal Trust, and the Saxena Family Foundation. As we embark on this new chapter, our Panvel kitchen is not just a building; it is a beacon of hope and health for thousands of children.”
The Panvel kitchen adheres to ISO certification for Food Safety Standards, holds a 5-star rating by FSSAI, and is recognized as an Eat Right campus by FSSAI, ensuring quality and safety.This project underscores The Akshaya Patra Foundation's commitment to nurturing young minds, encouraging community participation, promoting healthy eating habits, and advancing sustainable practices for a brighter, more nourishing future.
