Tomorrow Starts With A Healthy Today

By Author: Akshaya Patra
Total Articles: 114
Comment this article

School meal times are no longer just about nutrition; they are about nurturing the mind, body and spirit. Recognising this, Akshaya Patra launched the Eat Well Project, an initiative that enhances the traditional PM POSHAN (MDM) programme by embedding it with health, hygiene and educational value.
This project reflects a deep belief: a well-fed child is a ready learner. By aligning with the Government of India’s PM POSHAN scheme, the Eat Well Project elevates the MDM experience into a transformative opportunity for millions of children across the country.
What is the Eat Well Project?
The Eat Well Project is a holistic initiative focused on creating a healthier school environment for children receiving mid-day meals. While the PM POSHAN initiative addresses hunger and promotes school attendance, the Eat Well Project complements it by integrating:

• Nutritional awareness
• Hygiene education
• Responsible consumption practices
• Safe and inclusive meal environment

The project aims to turn every meal into a lesson and every lunch break into a moment of growth. It ensures ...
... that schools are not only centres of learning but also spaces where children are nurtured in the truest sense.
Why the Project Matters
The significance of this initiative lies in its approach. The Eat Well Project not only provides food but also

transforms their lives. Children participating in the programme begin to:
• Understand the value of balanced nutrition
• Learn to practice personal hygiene daily
• Adopt healthy habits that stay with them for life

It is well documented that malnutrition can hinder both physical and cognitive development. By addressing these issues through school meals, Akshaya Patra is investing in the overall development of children, building healthier students today and stronger citizens tomorrow.
Infrastructure and Support for Change

As part of this initiative, Akshaya Patra ensures schools have the infrastructure required to serve meals safely and hygienically. Contributions to the Eat Well Project help provide:

• RO water purifiers for clean drinking water
• Hand wash facilities to promote hygiene before and after meals
• Racks, trolleys, plates and serving spoons for efficient and sanitary meal service
• Uniforms and safety accessories for staff to maintain food safety standards

Moreover, the Foundation invites volunteers to participate in enriching school environments by painting walls with educational messages and colourful illustrations that reinforce hygiene and wellness messages.
For as little as ₹1,250, individuals can support a child’s health and education, making a tangible difference through this comprehensive programme.

By addressing both physical needs and behavioural habits, the project offers a dual advantage:
• Immediate impact on health and learning
• Long-term benefits through sustained good practices

Children touched by this initiative are more likely to grow into health-conscious adults who value cleanliness, nutrition and education. This effect extends into their homes and communities, making it a true movement of social change.
A Trusted NGO Partner in India Making a Difference
Akshaya Patra is known for its innovative approach to solving hunger and education-related challenges. Serving over 2.25 million children daily across 16 states and 3 union territories, the organisation has been a steadfast supporter of the MDM initiative for over two decades.
With the Eat Well Project, Akshaya Patra moves beyond just feeding, it educates, empowers and elevates the lives of government school students.
How to Get Involved

Individuals and organisations can support the Eat Well Project in several ways:
• Make an Online Donation: Visit Akshaya Patra’s secure portal to support the initiative easily and instantly.
• Volunteer: Participate in creative activities like school wall painting or join awareness drives.
• Donate to Honour: Choose to commemorate a loved one or a special occasion by making a contribution in their name.
• Spread the Word: Amplify the impact by sharing information about the project within your network.

Each form of support, no matter how big or small, goes a long way in nurturing a generation of healthy, happy and well-informed children. With ₹1,250, donors can make a lasting difference. Supporters can donate online, donate to honour loved ones or make occasional donations to celebrate special moments. Each contribution helps children grow healthier, learn better and develop lifelong habits for a brighter future.
A Plate of Food, A Lifetime of Possibilities

The Eat Well Project is a clear example of how the PM POSHAN initiative can evolve into a more impactful, multi-dimensional programme. By combining the power of nutrition with the wisdom of education, Akshaya Patra is reshaping how school meals are viewed and valued.
In a world full of complex challenges, sometimes the simplest solutions like a nutritious meal, a clean plate or a hand-wash station can create the most profound changes.
Through online donation, supporters can help Akshaya Patra bring this transformative experience to more schools and children across India.

Every contribution is an investment in a brighter, healthier future. One plate, one lesson and one child at a time. https://www.akshayapatra.org/eat-well

I'm a social volunteer, lives in Bengaluru. I do work for NGOs to make society better. Currently I'm working for The Akshaya Patra Foundation. It's an NGO in India which provides wholesome nutritious mid-day meals to government school children to end classroom hunger. https://www.akshayapatra.org/