Deutsche Bank Partnership Feeds 100 Million Kids in India

Deutsche Bank and The Akshaya Patra Foundation just served their 100 millionth meal to schoolchildren across India, marking a breakthrough moment in the fight against classroom hunger. The celebration in Jaipur brought together students, teachers, and volunteers who've witnessed how a simple lunch can transform education.

For years, hunger has been an invisible barrier keeping economically vulnerable children from succeeding in school. When stomachs growl during lessons, concentration fades and attendance drops. Deutsche Bank's corporate social responsibility partnership with Akshaya Patra tackles this head-on by funding nutritious, hygienic meals through India's PM POSHAN government scheme.

The numbers tell a powerful story of scale and commitment. Today, Akshaya Patra operates 78 kitchen locations across 16 states and three union territories, reaching over 2.35 million children in more than 23,000 schools and early childhood centers. What started in 2000 with 1,500 children in five schools has grown into one of the world's largest nonprofit feeding programs.

Kaushik Shaparia, Deutsche Bank's CEO for India and Emerging Asia, captured the human impact behind the statistics. "Every meal represents dignity, opportunity, and hope for children who need it most," he said at the Jaipur celebration.

The partnership works because it combines corporate funding with efficient on-ground delivery and government support. Akshaya Patra's state-of-the-art kitchens use technology and innovation to prepare meals at massive scale while maintaining strict hygiene and nutrition standards. These facilities have become models that attract visitors from around the world studying how to feed children effectively.

The Ripple Effect

When children receive consistent nutrition, the benefits extend far beyond individual students. Families gain peace of mind knowing their kids are fed. School attendance improves because the meal program gives parents another reason to send children to class. Teachers can focus on education rather than managing hungry, distracted students. Communities grow stronger as the next generation gets a fair shot at learning and future success.

The partnership has proven that public-private collaboration can address social challenges at scale. By working alongside government programs rather than replacing them, Deutsche Bank and Akshaya Patra multiply their impact. In 2025 alone, over 415,000 people in India benefited from Deutsche Bank's CSR programs, with 40% of employees volunteering their time and skills.

Both organizations say they're just getting started, with plans to expand and reach even more children. The goal remains simple but profound: ensure no child's education is limited by an empty stomach.

One hundred million meals represent one hundred million chances for children to learn, grow, and dream without the distraction of hunger.