AKSHAYA PATRA – BEAT HUNGER WITH NUTRITION THIS CHRISTMAS
About Akshaya Patra UK
The problem of holiday hunger among children has gathered substantial attention in 2020, given the impact of Covid-19 on financially weak families. It is estimated that 3 million children face food poverty in the UK. In London alone, around 700,000 children face hunger during school holidays due to lack of free school meals, according to the Mayor of London’s 2018 report.
Childhood hunger leads to profound adverse outcomes in terms of long-term physical, educational, and financial achievements. With so many people in crisis, The Akshaya Patra Foundation UK felt that it was necessary to utilise its unique perspective and experience and apply this to the UK scenario.
With their Nourish to Flourish programme, they serve meals in various locations in and around London to children participating in holiday activities in council-run holiday clubs, community centres, parks, theatres, and schools.
Most children between the age group of 5 and 16 years are recipients of the free school meals. There are also several who are not eligible for free meals at schools but come from low-income families, including a large BAME population.
The Campaign – Match funded by The Big Give
With a pledged contribution from The Jansen Foundation, Akshaya UK are part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge which will match fund the donations that are received during the “Beat Hunger with Nutrition this Christmas” campaign (29th November – 6th December). A fantastic opportunity to gain significant funding to go towards their increased food provision over the winter months.
To find out more about The Big Give and to see how you can contribute please click below
FACTS & FIGURES
450,000 hot, nutritious, vegetarian lunches to children at holiday clubs across London boroughs with its Nourish to Flourish initiative.
9,000 meals a day can be served from their Watford Kitchen
£5 can feed a child in the UK for an entire week.
HAPPY PEOPLE
“I would like to thank you for all your hard work and dedication, and for the delicious hot meals every day. The children enjoyed all the meals you sent and they said to send compliments to the CHEF. Thank you and God Bless.”
Rabia Cornelius, Dormers Wells Lane
WEBSITE
Akshaya Patra UK
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