TG expands state-wide breakfast program for govt students

Metro India News | Hyderabad

The Telangana government is expanding its flagship breakfast program for students in government schools and junior colleges, with Rs 800 crore allocated in the current budget. Implemented in partnership with the Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation (HKMCF), the initiative aims to provide nutritious breakfast to nearly 20 lakh students across 23,106 institutions. 

The program, described as the first major state-wide initiative of its kind in the country, is designed to address morning hunger, improve concentration, attendance and punctuality, and support children from economically weaker families. Around 31 centralized community kitchens are planned, supported by nearly 1,400 distribution vehicles and 25,000 personnel. Kitchens are already operational in Kodangal, Warangal, Narsingi, Mahbubnagar, Kandi, Madhira, Manthani, Mancherial, Karimnagar and Medak. 

The initiative builds on the Kodangal pilot, where coverage expanded from about 28,000 to 52,000 children. Officials reported attendance increasing from around 75% to 90% during the pilot. Menus include idli, sambar, poori, dosa, upma, millet idli and bonda, with nutrition planning aligned with National Institute of Nutrition recommendations. 

HKMCF has also partnered with ICAR-IIMR to promote millet-based nutrition. The kitchens use automated cooking systems, food laboratories and insulated containers to ensure hygiene, quality and timely delivery.

 Photo Caption: His Grace Sri Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa (M.Tech., IIT Madras), President, Hare Krishna Movement Charitable Foundation (HKMCF), Regional President, The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TG & AP).