ISKCON's mid-day meal scheme bags award

International Society for Krishna Consciousness's (ISKCON) food relief foundation 'Annamrita' has bagged the IMC Ramakrishna Bajaj National Quality award.
'Annamrita', which provides food to over 12 lakh students daily through its mid-day meal programme across India, has bagged the award in the NGO category for second time in a row.
Everyday more than 12 lakh underprivileged children across India get nutritious, sanctified, hygienically prepared meals from 20 centralised, ISO certified kitchens from across seven states of India reaching out to over 6,500 schools every day, a press release issued here said.
ISKCON spiritual leader Radhanath Swami Maharaj said, "Being inspired by Srila Prabhupada - the Founder Acharya of International Society for Krishna Consciousness who was a true visionary and wanted to see a hunger free world- the motto of Annamrita is to serve 'food as pure as nectar' to all."

In partnership with the Centre and various state governments and support from many philanthropic donors, corporates and well-wishers, Annamrita has grown from humble beginnings of serving just 900 students in one school, to today serving 12 lakh meals every day, of which over one lakh meals are served everyday in Mumbai itself and nearly three lakh meals everyday in Maharashtra.
ISKCON's Food Relief Foundation director RadhaKrishna Das said, "The selection for recognition was done at the panel of judges at a meeting on January 31 chaired by Dr Abhay Bang (Director, SEARCH)."
These awards boost Annamrita's resolve and commitment to quality with a focus of reaching out to more children, specially in the non-government aided sections with nutritious, healthy, wholesome meals, the release said.

The allocation for the mid-day meal scheme in the Union Budget this year has been increased from Rs 9,700 crore to Rs 10,000 crore by the government and this will support Annamrita to reach out to serve more and more children from government-aided and municipal schools, the release said.