Earlier, these meals had been prepared at individual schools, many of which faced challenges relating to kitchen infrastructure, hygiene, cooking equipment, manpower, and quality monitoring. (Picture:X)

Kadapa:YSR Kadapa district has delivered 50,58,469 meals to students of government schools through its SMART kitchens initiative, marking a significant step towards improving school nutrition and food safety.

Speaking on the occasion, district collector Dr. Sreedhar Cherukuri said, “Our objective is to provide students with safe, hygienic, and nutritious meals on time while ensuring transparency and accountability in their preparation and delivery.”

Earlier, these meals had been prepared at individual schools, many of which faced challenges relating to kitchen infrastructure, hygiene, cooking equipment, manpower, and quality monitoring. To address these issues, the district administration introduced centralised kitchens equipped with modern facilities. Meals are prepared at these kitchens and transported to schools through planned delivery routes.

Digital dashboards, CCTV cameras, and GPS-enabled vehicles are used to monitor kitchen operations and meal transportation. QR code-based feedback mechanisms help officials identify concerns relating to food quality and service delivery.

The initiative is also promoting environmental sustainability through solar power, scientific waste management, and use of electric vehicles for distributing the meals. Suitable organic kitchen waste is converted into biogas to improve resource efficiency.

Women’s self-help groups are playing an important role in operations of the SMART kitchens, preparation of meals, and sanitation. Their involvement is helping create livelihood opportunities and strengthen community participation.

The delivery of more than 50 lakh meals highlights the district’s efforts to improve school nutrition by combining technology, environmental responsibility, and women’s empowerment.


Tags: