US-Based NGO Launches Nutritious Midday Meal Initiative in Nagpur During his visit to Nagpur, Chuck Scofield, CEO of the U.S.-based non-profit organization Share Our Strength, highlighted Maharashtra’s potential as a “proof of concept” state for scaling child nutrition programs across India. Scofield emphasized that the state’s existing initiatives, particularly the midday meal program, offer a unique opportunity to demonstrate how partnerships between government, community groups, and NGOs can create sustainable, nutritious, and safe meal solutions for children. The organization’s approach focuses on strengthening existing programs rather than running them directly, collaborating with local entities like Akshaya Patra, Annamrita, and Lok Biradari Prakalp to enhance their impact. Scofield’s visit included a tour of an Akshaya Patra-supported kitchen in Butibori, which produces approximately 5,000 meals daily. He also visited Lok Biradari Prakalp in Hemalkasa, where over 600 residential students receive three meals a day with Share Our Strength’s support. Speaking to The Times of India, Scofield underscored the importance of food as a critical educational resource, stating that well-nourished children are better equipped to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential. He argued that technology and the involvement of young volunteers could accelerate the expansion of successful models, particularly given India’s large population and growing economy. The NGO’s efforts have already connected around 7,00,000 children with 40 million meals in India, with a goal of reaching one million children in the future.#maharashtra #share_our_strength #chuck_scofield #akshaya_patra #annamrita
