Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, recipient of the Padma Shri award, is identified as one of the key innovators in the agri-food sector by the World Food Prize Foundation in 2025.
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's Nutri Pathshala initiative is making a significant impact on the food and nutrition landscape in India. This program, born from Kapoor's belief that food should provide not only flavour but also health benefits and empowerment to communities, is a testament to his vision of food as a transformative force.
Operating in collaboration with HarvestPlus Solutions, Nutri Pathshala focuses on sustainable nutrition and strengthening local food systems in rural areas such as Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The initiative targets children, parents, teachers, farmers, and caregivers, emphasising food literacy and nutrition education.
The success of Nutri Pathshala is evident in its reach. To date, the initiative has served over 3 million nutritious meals, reaching thousands of schoolchildren and community members. This has been instrumental in advancing nutrition literacy across India, encouraging informed and healthy food choices as a fundamental right for all.
Chef Kapoor's efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2025, he was named one of the Top Agri-Food Pioneers by the World Food Prize Foundation, a prestigious honour that recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the world's food system.
The growing recognition of Nutri Pathshala signifies a shift towards a future where informed food choices are valued and accessible. This initiative plays a vital role in promoting sustainable nutrition and food literacy, shaping a future where nourishment is valued for personal and community wellbeing alike.
Chef Kapoor views food as more than sustenance; it's about empowering individuals with knowledge, dignity, and the confidence to make informed food choices. This approach has helped families across the country reimagine what it means to eat well.
The World Food Prize, which Kapoor will receive at the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue in Iowa from October 21 to 23, is a prestigious award previously given to notable figures such as Dr. Norman Borlaug and Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This recognition reinforces the idea that food can be a transformative force, empowering individuals and communities.
In summary, Nutri Pathshala under Chef Sanjeev Kapoor combines culinary expertise with nutrition education to deliver nutritious meals and build awareness, impacting millions and fostering a healthier, more informed society. Kapoor's journey with Nutri Pathshala is a powerful reminder that food paired with purpose can create positive change beyond the plate.
The Nutri Pathshala initiative, led by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, extends its influence in the realm of science, health-and-wellness, and nutrition, as it promotes sustainable nutrition and food literacy in partnership with HarvestPlus Solutions. His efforts in this field have earned him recognition as a Top Agri-Food Pioneer, demonstrating that food can be a transformative force, not just for health, but also for education and community empowerment.
