19
December 2025 :
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Electric vehicles (EVs), solar powered
modernized kitchen facilities to strengthen school nutrition delivery, under
the PM POSHAN programme and state level mid-day meal initiatives
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HSBC marks presence in Uttar Pradesh with
launch of the Lucknow branch
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HSBC India expands its collaboration with The
Akshaya Patra Foundation in Lucknow, aiming to deliver meals annually to 32,000
students
HSBC
India has expanded its collaboration with The Akshaya Patra Foundation, an
implementing partner of the PM POSHAN programme, to strengthen its ongoing
efforts to support school nutrition delivery for low-income students in
Lucknow. The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Shri. Brajesh Pathak, together with
leadership teams from HSBC India and Akshaya Patra, inaugurated Solar powered
upgraded kitchen and distribution facilities designed to enhance sustainability
and efficiency under the PM POSHAN programme and state-level mid-day meal
initiatives.
The
initiative was flagged off by the Deputy CM at the newly opened branch of HSBC
India at Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Magar, in the presence of Sandeep Batra, Head of
International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India, and Anil Swarup, Trustee,
the Akshaya Patra Foundation.
The
upgraded facilities include the installation of a 150-kW solar plant, which
provides uninterrupted power, reduces reliance on the grid, and lowers
long-term operating costs. Additionally, five electric vehicles have been
deployed to deliver meals to nearly 1,500 schools, helping to reduce emissions,
cut operational expenses, and ensure reliable distribution. The kitchen has
also been equipped with modern grinders, roti machines, vegetable washing
machines, and rice batching systems, which collectively boost production
capacity, improve food safety and hygiene, and help maintain rigorous
nutritional standards for every meal.
These
upgrades are projected to deliver a carbon reduction of 10,115 kg over the
next decade, aligning with broader environmental goals and setting a
benchmark for sustainable social impact in the region.
Aloka
Majumdar, MD and Head of Sustainability, HSBC India,
said “At HSBC, we believe that nourishing young minds is fundamental to
building a brighter future. Our partnership with The Akshaya Patra Foundation
reflects our commitment to driving positive change, combining innovation,
sustainability, and compassion to ensure that every child has the opportunity
to learn and grow. By investing in sustainable energy, modern transport, and
upgraded kitchen facilities, we’re not just improving operations—we’re
investing in the future of Lucknow’s children.”
Anil
Swarup IAS (Retired), Trustee – The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Former Secretary,
Ministry of Human Resource Department (MHRD), Government of India,
said, "HSBC’s enduring support over the years has enabled us to expand our
reach, enhance operational efficiency, and adopt sustainable practices in our
kitchens. This year’s kitchen upgrades in Lucknow reflect a shared vision—to
nourish children while reducing our environmental footprint. Through this partnership,
we are fostering healthier children, stronger communities, and a more
sustainable future."
HSBC
India and Akshay Patra Foundation’s partnership has grown year on year. In
2024–25, HSBC India supported the serving of 1,303,324 nutritious mid-day meals
to 29,621 children across 20 locations, including Vadodara, Udaipur, Delhi,
Chittorgarh, Surat, Nathdwara, Srikakulam, Silvassa, Vizag, Varanasi, Bhilwara,
Hyderabad, Nayagarh, Panvel, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhavnagar, Bhubaneshwar, and
Dehradun. In 2022–23, the collaboration facilitated 8,575,829 mid-day meals
across 13 locations, ensuring thousands of children received the daily
nutrition essential for their growth and learning.