The prestigious Gandhi Peace Prize has been conferred upon The Akshaya Patra Foundation by the Union Government on January 16, 2019. The award acknowledges the Foundation’s contribution in providing mid-day meals to millions of children across India. Under the Chairmanship of P.M Shri Narendra Modi, it was unitedly announced by a panel of jury members - Justice Shri Ranjan Gogoi - the Chief Justice of India, Smt Sumitra Mahajan - Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Mallikarjuna Kharge - Leader of the single largest Opposition Party in Lok Sabha, and Shri L.K. Advani - Member of Parliament.    

Appreciating Akshaya Patra’s relentless endeavour Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, "The Akshaya Patra Foundation's determined efforts ensure nutritious meals for many. Its outstanding work has also ensured more children to go to school. I congratulate Akshaya Patra for the Gandhi Peace Prize, 2016."

A cash prize of Rs. 1 crore, a citation, a plaque and an exquisite handicraft/handloom item was given to the Foundation.