The Akshaya Patra Foundation introduced a pilot in partnership with the Government of Karnataka to include millets in the mid-day meal scheme with an aim to improve the nutritional intake of the beneficiaries.

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) will be the knowledge partner. Akshaya Patra is happy to support and be a part of Government of Karnataka’s campaign to promote Smart Foods. This pilot was launched in the run up to Organics and Millets 2018, International Trade Fair, being organised at Bengaluru Palace from 19 – 21 January.

The pilot will serve 1,622 beneficiaries across 10 government and government-aided schools. In the initial phase, children will receive millet-based dishes like upma, bisibelebath, sweet and khara pongal twice a week in addition to the existing mid-day meal menu from Akshaya Patra’s centralised kitchens.

The launch was held at the Government Higher Primary School at Kumaraswamy Layout, Bengaluru in the presence of Chief Guests, Shri Krishna Byre Gowda, Honourable Minister for Agriculture Department.