New Delhi, August 11, 2025: Rice Kids, a youth-led nonprofit founded by 16-year-old changemaker Anakh Sawhney, has expanded its operations in India, providing hot meals and supporting education access for children in underserved communities. The initiative, which began as a small food drive in the United States in 2018, now operates globally and integrates daily nutrition with educational opportunities.
“Our work in India has shown me the power of proximity and purpose,” said Anakh Sawhney, Founder of Rice Kids. “A single meal can open the door to a school day, and a school day can open up a child’s future. That’s the kind of impact we want to keep scaling, not just feeding people, but helping them thrive.”
The organization’s focus on India grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hunger among migrant workers and low-income families surged. Initially launched as an emergency response, the India program has evolved into a long-term initiative combining daily nutrition with access to education and vocational training. Collaborating with local NGOs such as the Sunaayy Foundation, Rice Kids integrates meal support with skill-building programs, helping children remain in school and pursue stable futures.
Founded when Anakh was just nine years old, Rice Kids has raised over $100,000, built 300-plus partnerships, and expanded to five U.S. states and India, maintaining a lean operation that directs 100% of public donations to food programs.
“As a first-generation Indian American, my connection to India is personal,” Anakh added. “It’s incredibly meaningful to know that our work is helping children in the country my parents came from. Every meal we serve is a reminder that even small efforts can carry deep impact when rooted in empathy.”
In addition to providing daily meals, the nonprofit’s India program offers vocational training, aiming to break the cycle of poverty through both nourishment and opportunity. Many of the children supported are the first in their families to attend school.
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