Pivoting Strategy: From Food For Education To Food For Relief
The Akshay Patra Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has been at the forefront of providing food for education
The Akshay Patra Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has been at the forefront of providing food for education. Founded in 2000, the initiative began by feeding just 1,500 children across five schools. Today, it reaches 2.25 million children daily across 23,000 schools, supported by 60 kitchens and a workforce of 9,000 people, operating across 16 states and union territories in India.
At the BW Disrupt Social Impact Summit and Awards, third Edition, Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshay Patra Foundation, shared an inspiring narrative of resilience, innovation, and social impact. Reflecting on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he outlined how Akshay Patra navigated the crisis and continued to serve millions.
However, the pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge. “In March 2020, as COVID-19 struck, schools were closed, and our kitchens were shut. With over 6,000 employees at the time, we had to ask ourselves: what do we do now?” Venkat said.
Sticking To Core Principles
During the crisis, Akshay Patra turned to its core principles. “We stuck to our fundamentals, asking how we could leverage our capacity to prepare cooked meals to address the immediate crisis,” Venkat explained. This clarity of purpose guided their response, enabling the organisation to pivot swiftly and effectively.
Creating War Room Or Disaster Relief
As part of India’s National Disaster Recovery framework, Akshay Patra collaborated closely with government agencies, including the Prime Minister’s Office. A “war room” was set up on WhatsApp, connecting senior leadership with district commissioners, police officials, and other stakeholders to coordinate disaster relief efforts. This seamless integration of technology and leadership proved critical in meeting the urgent needs of the time.
One of the most significant adaptations was a shift in mission. “We transitioned from providing food for education to food for relief,” Venkat noted. This strategic pivot was essential to meet the demands of the pandemic, as Akshay Patra redirected its efforts from school meals to providing rations and meals for migrant workers and their families.
Mobilising Resources and Innovating Solutions
Despite restrictions on mobility, the government facilitated the movement of Akshay Patra’s vehicles. Large community halls were transformed into packing centres, where relief kits were assembled. These “happiness kits” included rations sufficient for 21 to 42 days, hygiene kits for girls, and other essential supplies. Through its extensive network, Akshay Patra distributed these kits to millions, ensuring that those in need were not left behind.
Insights For Crisis Management
Venkat shared two key insights from this experience, stick to core competencies - in times of uncertainty, focusing on core strengths provides clarity and direction and leadership agility - the ability to pivot strategies in response to a crisis is crucial for organisations to remain effective and impactful.
Story of Hope and Transformation
“The pandemic was a double crisis, hitting us from all sides. Yet, it also demonstrated the power of collaboration, innovation, and resilience,” Venkat concluded. His account underscored the importance of staying true to one’s mission while adapting to evolving circumstances.
