In India, thousands and possibly millions of children must make it through the day with little or no food to eat. These children, most of the time, end up dropping out of school just to help their parents raise money to scrap together a single meal. A program known as The Akshaya Patra Foundation, is working with the government to feed 1.4 million underprivileged children every day. This foundation is working in schools across India to feed students in school free meals every day. Not only are the meals accustomed to the area that they are in, they are also cooked fresh that morning and taken to the school when still warm for the children. The mass production of this much food requires special machinery and can make over 1,000-40,000 portions per batch. Ever since these free food programs have joined Indian schools, enrollment has risen about 20% and attendance has risen as well. The students have been able to learn better because not only are they able to stay in school and be fed more that they are at home, they are not distracted by their hunger or by wondering where their next meal will come from.
I think that it is unbelievable how this program is helping so many children. The people who run it must really see the terrible state that some families are and want to do something about it. It is a great example not only for other programs in India, but foundations around the world in countries with families in need.
Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/25/world/asia/india-feeding-children-udas/index.html?hpt=ias_t4
I think this is amazing what the organization is doing. The meal program will really make an impact.
ReplyDeleteWow! It amazes me to know that there are people willing to do so much to feed a lot of children who can't afford food!
ReplyDeleteThat is really great. It's good that they are being fed and that the enrollment rate is rising.
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