Vandana Tilak, LA Chapter Chair, Ayurveda practitioner and long-time supporter of Akshaya Patra has joined the Akshaya Patra USA Board of Directors. In this role, Ms. Tilak will continue her crucial work of spreading and growing awareness about Akshaya Patra in all 13 Chapters in the US and in India, building on the organization’s expansion plans via new kitchens and the number of children served. Akshaya Patra operates the world’s largest school meal program, serving 1.5 million children daily in 10 states in India from 24 kitchen locations and is continually expanding to reach its objective to serve 5 million children.  Akshaya Patra recently celebrated its 2 billionth meal served since inception.

Commenting on her new role, Vandana Tilak stated, “It is an honor and a privilege to serve India’s children by joining the Board of Directors of Akshaya Patra USA.” Akshaya Patra USA’s Los Angeles Chapter, held a benefit dinner on August 6th to honor Manu and Rika Shah who donated over $1 million towards a new kitchen in Bhuj, India.

Emily Rosenbaum, CEO of Akshaya Patra USA welcomed Ms. Tilak, saying, “Vandana works for the children like no one else I have ever known. She wakes up every day thinking about the cause, the children and their hopes and dreams.”  

Chairman of Akshaya Patra USA’s Board of Directors, Desh Deshpande added, “Akshaya Patra is very fortunate to have a caring, compassionate, and genuine leader like Vandana Tilak in our organization. Her dedication shows through in all of her hard work, all of her interactions, and everything she does to help move Akshaya Patra to the next level.” 

Akshaya Patra’s hot, fresh school meals have been linked to increased school enrollment, and improved health and academic performance for the disadvantaged children attending India’s government schools.  

For every $15 donated, Akshaya Patra is able to feed a child for an entire academic year. For more information on Akshaya Patra, visit www.foodforeducation.org.