Akshaya Patra to take its midday meal scheme to Indonesia, Kenya

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Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The Akshaya Patra Foundation plans to take its acclaimed midday meal scheme to Indonesia and Kenya, said two people aware of the development, as India seeks to use its soft power to deepen ties and trade. Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, is launching a free meal programme for schoolchildren.

The plan is inspired by India’s flagship social welfare scheme aimed at reducing school dropout rates by providing nutritious food. That comes as the Indian government, according to a top government official, is considering inviting Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest for the Republic Day. “The non-profit organization is also planning to start the marquee scheme in Kenya, which has been grappling with food security concerns," said the first of the two people quoted above.

The formalization process for the initiative is currently in its final stages, paving the way for implementation," the first person said. Queries emailed to the spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office and Akshaya Patra Foundation remained unanswered till press time. Akshaya Patra, one of the world’s largest non-profit school meal providers, serves over two million children daily in 23,110 government schools and Anganwadi centres across 75 locations in 16 states and two union territories of India.

With a robust infrastructure, it operates 72 kitchens in 16 states, ensuring efficient, large-scale food preparation and distribution to promote nutrition and education among underprivileged children. “The Akshaya Patra model is known for its efficient and trusted food distribution system. The government plans to support both nations in meeting sustainable development goals and ensuring that every