World Hunger Day with Akshaya Patra

World Hunger Day is observed to raise awareness about the critical issue of hunger that the world faces. World Hunger Day is also observed to spread the word about achievements of those who battled out of the hunger situation and are now able to meet their basic requirements of everyday life. World Hunger Day is also a platform to encourage participation from both developed and developing nations to come together to end poverty and hunger. This year it will be observed on May 28th.

Studies reveal that hunger kills more people than any other fatal disease like AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis – all combined together. Researches also reveal that one-eighth of the total world population i.e. 842 million people live in extreme hunger. Among the millions who succumb to hunger each year, two millions are children. This hunger population not only belong to zones that are affected by famines, droughts or any natural calamity, rather 90% of this population belong the developing nations where income opportunity, education opportunity and basic health needs pose a tougher barrier than unavailability of food.

Eradication of poverty and hunger is one of the most critical Millennium Development Goals. Though there has been a trend in decrease of chronic hunger due to various initiatives and programmes across the globe, yet the issue persists critically in the developing nations. One-third of all deaths that occur among children less than five years of age residing in developing nations are linked to under-nourishment. When the basic necessity of food is not met, it is bound that education takes a backseat.

Along with Governmental bodies there are many Non-Governmental Organisations that have taken up the cause of ending hunger. The Akshaya Patra Foundation works on a similar ground. By implementing the mid-day meal programme, this wants to provide unlimited food to children at Government school so that they can continue their education. If one entire generation is educated it has the potential to lift liberate the society from the clutches of hunger and poverty. Akshaya Patra currently feeds more than 1.4 million children across India. The nutritious meal encourages children to join school, complete education and equips them to become resourceful enough to meet the basic needs. Through mid-day meal, Akshaya Patra is preparing a generation which will positively alter the present the scenario of hunger in the nation. Observe World Hunger Day with Akshaya Patra. Volunteer, Fundraise or Donate for Akshaya Patra.

References:

• http://www.thehungerproject.co.uk/getinvolved/worldhungerday/world-hunger-day-purpose/
• https://www.wfp.org/stories/10-hunger-facts-2014 

Follow us: @AkshayaPatra on Twitter | TheAkshayapatraFoundation on Facebook |

@AkshayaPatraFoundation on Rediff |  https://www.youtube.com/user/akshayapatra

Akshaya Patra wishes a very Happy Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is observed as a day to honour and respect our mothers, the essence of motherhood and the maternal bond itself. It began as a celebration in the United States way back in early 20th century.

Eventually, it is seen to be celebrated cross the globe. Mother’s Day is celebrated annually across many countries. However the dates of celebration differ from country to country. March and May are the most common months of celebrating Mother’s Day. In India, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year. The significance of celebrating Mother’s Day may range from scriptural references to the general understanding of honouring our mother and motherhood. This year 10th of May will be celebrated as Mother’s Day.

Traits like care, love, nurture, nourish, patience comes naturally to a mother. Mothers worldwide go to any extent to provide the best for their child be it food, education, or day-to-day learning.  It is seen that mothers across the world thrive to provide the most nutritious and hygienic food to the child. Home-made food or mom-cooked food is something we all look forward to and relish wholeheartedly. Even if the child is a fussy eater the mother will bring in her most innovative cooking tactics to make sure that nutrition intake is taken care of. 

Taking inspiration from mothers care and love The Akshaya Patra Foundation ensures that mid-day meal is cooked with love. The women employees at the kitchen are mothers of children too and each of them understands the importance of clean, hygienic and nutritious meal in the growth of a child. Be it centralised kitchen or decentralised, all women worker shares the same sentiment of motherhood in preparing millions of mid-day meals each day. A recent video of Akshaya Patra ‘Morsel of Love’ illustrates the involvement of women employees in the kitchen in preparation of mid-day meal. Akshaya Patra salutes all the women employees and wishes all of them and all the mothers across the world a very happy Mother’s Day.

Follow us: @AkshayaPatra on Twitter | TheAkshayapatraFoundation on Facebook |

@AkshayaPatraFoundation on Rediff |  https://www.youtube.com/user/akshayapatra

As you celebrate spread joy too!

Occasions are many and ways to celebrate are even more. Be it festivals, anniversaries, birthdays or an achievement, we all find ways to treasure our special moments by gifting and celebrating with our near and dear ones. But for many of our counterparts it’s a far-fetched dream because for them food itself cannot be taken for granted. These counterparts are none other than tiny children who too wishes to celebrate festivals and occasions. 

When we make preparations for our celebration then once in a while we can include the names of these underserved children too in the never-ending guest list. There are many ways to include these children in our celebrations. For example: sponsoring the meal for a particular school on the day of our birthday or anniversary; donating some funds on auspicious occasions like Christmas, Diwali, Eid, New Year and the like. Spending some time with school children and organising some fun activities on days of national importance like Children’s Day, Independence Day etc. which will allow you to know these children better and at the same time give some kind of recreational break to the children. Individuals can come together to form groups and choose to offer their knowledge as a gift by taking after class tuitions or by becoming a mentors thereby helping children to achieve his or her dream; and the day they start can become an occasion by itself. 

Opportunities are many, all we need to do is while we revel in our celebrations we must remember our underserved counterparts too. Click here to offer your support to children who are sincere, determined and deserving. 

Follow us: @AkshayaPatra on Twitter | TheAkshayapatraFoundation on Facebook |

@AkshayaPatraFoundation on Rediff |  https://www.youtube.com/user/akshayapatra