Akshaya Patra Foundation, the largest non-profit run school lunch program of its kind in the world, is preparing for two major events in the Boston area to help raise funds and awareness for its vital mission of providing nutritious mid-day meals to underprivileged children in India.  The organization, which addresses two of the immediate challenges India is facing, hunger and education, launched its US office in 2006.  Akshaya Patra is currently serving free nutritious meals to over 800,000 children in various parts India every day.

On Saturday, September 29th, Akshaya Patra will lead supporters on a 5 mile walkathon to build awareness about Akshaya Patra and raise funds to feed underprivileged students in India.  Food for Life: A Walk for Children will begin at 8am on Massachusetts Avenue/Memorial Drive in Cambridge and continue along the Charles River, crossing into Boston.  The goal of the walk is to create awareness about Akshaya Patra and mobilize the community in helping raise money for the children served by the program.  Local community partners for the event include the Network of South Asian Professionals of Boston (NetSAP) and South Asian American Leaders of Tomorrow, who are including it as part of their Be the Change festivities to honor the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi through a day of service.  To register for the walk, please visit www.firstgiving.com/akshayapatra.  For more information, please email walk@akshayapatrausa.org.      

The following Friday, October 5th, Akshaya Patra will invite key community leaders and supporters to attend the Food for Education Inaugural Benefit Gala.  This elegant evening, held at the Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, will feature a sit down dinner, presentation about Akshaya Patra, as well as a keynote address by Mira Kamdar, author of Planet India: How the World’s Largest Democracy is Transforming America and the World.  The organization will also be auctioning off two pieces of art by Kiran Soni Gupta.  The Food for Education Gala will be an opportunity for the community to learn about Akshaya Patra’s innovative approach to fighting hunger and promoting education among India’s most vulnerable children, engage in the organization’s mission and inspire others to do the same.  To receive an invitation to this exclusive event, please email tapf.info@akshayapatrausa.org or call 781-438-3090. 

For more information about Akshaya Patra Foundation, please visit our website at www.foodforeducation.org.

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