Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in Mumbai, impacting education and healthcare for thousands of children and families. In a bold effort to combat this crisis, Akshaya Chaitanya has undertaken a mission to eliminate hunger across the city.
In a significant move to support this vision, the Mumbai Port Authority has granted a 30,000 sq. ft. plot in Ghodapdeo, Byculla, for the development of what will be India’s largest and most sophisticated community kitchen. Once operational, this state-of-the-art facility will have the capacity to provide 1,00,000 wholesome meals daily—bringing nourishment, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
The Bhumi Pujan ceremony for this landmark project was held today at this plot to commence the future of food-secure Mumbai. The event witnessed the esteemed presence of several distinguished dignitaries. Shri Manoj Pandurang Jamsutkar, MLA of Byculla, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while His Grace Sri Amitasana Dasa, President of the Hare Krishna Movement and Akshaya Patra, Maharashtra, blessed the proceedings with his auspicious presence. Guests of Honour included Shri. Indrajit Chadha, Chief Fire Officer, Mumbai Port Authority; Shri. Dilip Shedkar, Planning Department, Mumbai Port Authority; Shri. G.A. Shirsat, Estate Manager, Mumbai Port Authority; Shri Vipin Jain, Managing Partner, TLC Legal; Shri Rustom Godrej Joshi, CMD, VVF Group; Smt. Kishori Pednekar, Ex-Mayor, MCGM; Shri. Sanjay Shende , Deputy Managing Director, Mahanagar Gas Limited & Shri.Amit Nabira, Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders. Their collective presence underscored a strong endorsement from both government and industry leaders for this transformative initiative.
TLC Legal and VVF Group have entered into a civil partnership to collaborate on developing kitchen infrastructure, driven by their shared commitment to ensuring food security and nourishing the future of Mumbai's communities.
Lloyds Group has announced a strategic partnership to provide Electric Vehicles and Solar Power solutions, driving sustainability and reducing environmental impact through innovative energy-saving initiatives.
The 50,000 sq. ft. facility, set to begin construction in May 2025 and be fully operational by January 2026, will operate on a comprehensive sustainability model. A robust 210 kW solar power setup will fulfill its entire electricity needs, ensuring a renewable energy-powered facility. A zero-waste policy will convert production-related waste into compost for maintaining green spaces, while an all-electric distribution fleet will eliminate emissions, optimizing both sustainability and operational efficiency. This initiative not only combats food insecurity but also sets a precedent for responsible and environmentally friendly meal distribution.
A Tree Plantation event was also conducted with BMC school children. Dignitaries joined in planting trees, symbolizing a collective commitment to a greener, stronger future for all
Akshaya Chaitanya’s centralized kitchen is designed for long-term impact. By the end of 2027, it aims to serve 100,000 beneficiaries daily, including 83,000 children in Balwadis and secondary grades (9th and 10th) across 750+ schools, as well as 17,000 family members of patients admitted to 50+ government hospitals across Mumbai. This project with a sustainable, large-scale, and efficient meal distribution system will ensure nourishment for every vulnerable person to secure good health & education for prosperous Mumbai & India.
This initiative is backed by a coalition of esteemed corporate partners, including TLC Legal, Reliance Foundation, Anchor by Panasonic, Mahanagar Gas Limited, Shipping Corporation of India, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Jewelex India Pvt Ltd, Indicares Foundation, Carestream, Orbit Exports, MRVC, Savex Technologies, VVF Group, and Lloyds Group. Their support reinforces the power of collective action in solving pressing social challenges.
By addressing the root cause of hunger, securing strategic land for a large-scale solution, and implementing a long-term, environmentally sustainable plan, Akshaya Chaitanya is setting a new benchmark for food security. The centralized kitchen will not only nourish those in need but also redefine how cities approach hunger relief through sustainable innovation and collective action. This initiative showcases how collaboration between government, private stakeholders, and nonprofits can create lasting social impact, ensuring that no child or family in need goes hungry.
Adesh Titarmare, Deputy Chairman of Mumbai Port Authority, said: "We are proud to support Akshaya Chaitanya in this noble cause. Addressing food insecurity is a responsibility we all share, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our commitment to community welfare and sustainable development. Beyond providing meals, this facility represents a transformative shift in how we tackle hunger by combining scale, efficiency, and sustainability. By leveraging renewable energy and zero-waste solutions, this project not only ensures food security but also fosters a greener, more responsible future for Mumbai. This kitchen will serve as a beacon of hope for thousands in need, demonstrating what is possible when vision meets action."