Akshaya Patra feeds over 1.3 million children every day during the school year in various parts of India using two operational models for its kitchens: centralized and decentralized. The centralized kitchen model leverages technology to increase efficiency, lower costs and maintains high standards of quality. The decentralized kitchen model is for rural areas where transportation costs are high due to road conditions and the large distance separating villages.
High efficiency, Low Cost, and Quality
Akshaya Patra kitchens, specially designed by engineers, leverage technology to maintain efficient processes, cook large amounts of food in a short time, and therefore keep costs low. With an average government subsidy of 63 percent, £10 feeds one child for an entire year on all school days. These kitchens use steam as a cooking medium, allowing the food to cook faster and the vegetables to retain nutrients. Most processes—from cutting vegetables, preparing bread, to loading containers—are mechanized, which increases speed, decreases overhead, and protects against contamination.
In addition, vehicles that transport the food to the schools are custom designed to allow for optimal storage and minimal spillage. Akshaya Patra also adheres to high standards of quality, particularly in newer kitchens that are designed to meet International Standard Organization (ISO) guidelines. In addition, employees are trained in cooking and follow hygienic standards that allow Akshaya Patra to maintain the nutritional quality of the meals it serves.
Leveraging Local Markets
Akshaya Patra sources its vegetables, dairy products and other food stocks from local markets. This reduces the costs associated with transportation, spoilage and replacement of vegetables, dairy and grains, and supports local farmers. It also helps to strengthen the local economy.
Scalability
Akshaya Patra's program is a pioneering project in India's social and development sector. It is an innovative model with a proven track record. Due to the uniqueness of Akshaya Patra's model, its success in both rural and urban areas and its ability to provide high quality nutrition at a low cost, the organization's operations are highly scalable, as is indicated by the rapid growth of the organization. The success of this model not only demonstrates the ease at which Akshaya Patra can employ its methodology all over India, but can also potentially serve as a model for implementation in other parts of the world.
Public/Private/Non-Government Organization Partnerships
Akshaya Patra serves as a model for public/private/NGO partnerships in India and elsewhere. The three stakeholders collaborate closely to ensure that school lunches are cooked and distributed as effectively and efficiently as possible. The government, particularly the state governments, provides school lunch subsidies directly to Akshaya Patra to help keep costs low. They also provide land, water and tax breaks where possible. The private sector brings discipline to the organization, best management practices and works with government officials to help with Akshaya Patra's operations and expansion.
Transparency and Excellence
Akshaya Patra maintains a commitment to organizational transparency. The organization is advised in accounting standards by KPMG and has been audited by BSR & Co, a leading Indian audit firm, to ensure transparency and accountability of its operations. Furthermore, the organization is managed by an independent Board of Directors, many of whom are leaders in the private sector.
