Feed The Future launched on the eve of World Hunger Day

On the occasion of ‘World Hunger Day’, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, in partnership with GSK Consumer Healthcare, Nestlé, PepsiCo India, PVR Nest, Reliance Fresh, Facebook, The LaLiT, Reliance Broadcast Networks Ltd. and Viacom 18 and the Government of India flagged off a movement to raise awareness about importance of nourishment amongst children and its impetus to education.

Christened as ‘Feed The Future Now’, this movement is set to serve five billion meals to children across India by 2020 with a view to create a ‘Poshit Bharat, Shikshit Bharat.’ The movement was flagged off by Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Development, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi.

The launch was graced by Shridhar Venkat, Chief Executive Officer, The Akshaya Patra Foundation along with the CEOs and senior representatives of nine leading corporate partners. At the launch, each partner pledged to drive initiatives that raise mass awareness about need for the right nourishment amongst children. To meet key global nutrition milestones, future growth requires significant investments critical to ensure school going children don’t drop out due to direct and indirect impact of hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiency.

Raising awareness on the issue of child malnourishment, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, said, “I congratulate the Akshaya Patra Foundation for the launch of this movement. They are one of a kind institution in the world and are doing great service. Malnutrition is one of those issues that require urgent attention. The focus should not be on feeding just food, but providing a nutritious meal.

I believe children should be provided packets that contain 600-1000 calories and nutrients and urge the Akshaya Patra Foundation to take up this initiative. I will whole heartedly support you and take this initiative to all states. I congratulate all the corporates today for partnering with this cause and I am sure you will achieve great results through this movement”