For the second year in a row, Blue Yonder celebrated Global Week of Giving, a time when our associates from around the world come together to give back to the communities where we operate. Giving back strengthens our commitment to creating positive change and reflects the ongoing passion of our associates, who dedicate their time and energy to making a difference.

This year, the week took place from Oct. 21-25, 2024. I was lucky enough to be India during that week and had the privilege of visiting Akshaya Patra, an extraordinary organization in India whose mission is simple yet profound: No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger. Their foundation helps feed millions of children across the country who may lack the financial means but have an unshakable zeal to learn and achieve.

The organization provides one wholesome mid-day meal every day to children, nourishing not just their bodies but also their minds, encouraging them to pursue education and, consequently, a better future. Akshaya Patra currently serves meals to 420 schools and 36,000 children daily, offering hope and opportunity to the next generation.

This past April, Akshaya Patra achieved a historic milestone: the foundation celebrated serving 4 billion meals at a special event at the U.N. headquarters in New York City. Titled “Achievements in Food Security: India’s Strides Towards Sustainability,” the event highlighted India’s innovative approaches and accomplishments in nutrition and food security, aligning with the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This recognition was not just a celebration of success but a global call to action — one that underscores the urgency of fighting hunger on a worldwide scale.

My visit to Akshaya Patra was deeply inspiring on multiple fronts. I was moved by the compassion and dedication of the many employees who work tirelessly to ensure children have access to healthy meals. Their level of discipline and the rigorous standards they maintain for cleanliness and safety are truly exemplary.

One of the most powerful takeaways was the importance of supply chains in ensuring food safety and efficiency in delivering resources to those in need. Akshaya Patra operates like a well-oiled machine, with defined processes that capture the demand (the children’s nutritional needs) and provide the right amount of meals at the right time (supply and logistics). It’s a remarkable demonstration of how supply chain management can be harnessed for good, ensuring no waste and that no child goes hungry due to inefficiencies or gaps in the system.

In India, Blue Yonder’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/BYCares team is actively engaged in community activities throughout the year. I am incredibly proud of our this team, whose unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives like Akshaya Patra reflects the very best of our company’s values. Their dedication to driving meaningful change in the community, especially through education and food security, speaks volumes about their passion for making a difference. The CSR/BYCares team has been instrumental in not only partnering with organizations like Akshaya Patra but also in representing Blue Yonder with integrity and heart. Their efforts remind me that our impact goes far beyond business — it touches lives, supports futures, and upholds our responsibility to give back to the communities that we are a part of.

As I reflect on the importance of hosting a Global Week of Giving for our associates, I am reminded of how important it is to support and uplift our communities. Whether through our time, resources, or expertise, giving back is not just a reflection of who we are as individuals but as a collective — a commitment to leaving the world a better place.

Let’s continue to be inspired by organizations like Akshaya Patra and the work they do to empower future generations through education and nutrition. Their success is a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness, when scaled, can change lives and communities for the better.

The DIVE In blog team will be sharing more stories of our 2024 Global Week of Giving in the coming weeks. Curious to learn more? Check out our 2023 Global Week of Giving DIVE In blog post.

For Global Week of Giving, Blue Yonder is teaming with The Global FoodBanking Network to support local food banks in nearly 50 countries and connect more people to wholesome food. For every donation through Nov. 15, 2024, Blue Yonder will give a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $5,000. Please consider supporting this worthwhile organization: https://www.foodbanking.org/support-our-mission/blue-yonder-giving-month/