By: Prachi Jaitly

On May 24, the Chicago Chapter of Akshaya Patra held a heartfelt Meet & Greet event for its Youth Ambassadors in Hinsdale, Illinois. The gathering brought together current and former youth ambassadors — affectionately known as “Yappies” — to share their experiences and deepen their connection to Akshaya Patra’s mission of combating hunger and promoting education.

The event offered a warm, informal environment where students reflected on their motivations for joining the Youth Ambassador Program and discussed how their involvement heightened their awareness of global hunger issues. Through personal stories of fundraising, awareness campaigns, and volunteering, the young ambassadors showcased their dedication to ensuring no child in India misses out on education due to hunger.
Anubha Panchal, Youth Coordinator for the chapter, welcomed families and presented various ways youth can continue supporting Akshaya Patra. She highlighted upcoming volunteer opportunities, including fundraising initiatives, awareness events, and social media campaigns, encouraging ambassadors to take creative ownership of local outreach efforts.

A standout message from Panchal was her encouragement for families traveling to India to visit Akshaya Patra kitchens. “Seeing the work firsthand has a profound impact,” she said. “It gives kids a real sense of the scale and importance of the program they support.”
Several youth ambassadors, some involved for multiple years, spoke candidly about how the program nurtured their growth as leaders and global citizens. One ambassador, Anya Panchal, shared how her first small fundraiser taught her the joy of giving and contributing to a greater cause. Others described the pride they felt explaining Akshaya Patra’s mission to peers. For newer ambassadors, the event provided inspiration and guidance for their journey ahead.

Looking forward, the chapter plans to host mini fundraisers throughout the summer, including awareness booths and community presentations, aiming to broaden outreach and engage more youth across the Chicago area.

The evening celebrated youth leadership, service, and the power of community. The Akshaya Patra Chicago Chapter remains a dynamic hub for young changemakers committed to making a difference — one meal at a time.