About Us
Anna Gari Canteen USA is a revolutionary initiative dedicated to making nutritious, affordable meals accessible to all.
About Anna Gari Canteen
Authentic Flavors, Timeless Traditions
Anna Gari Canteen USA is a revolutionary initiative dedicated to making nutritious, affordable meals accessible to all. Inspired by India’s successful Anna Canteens, our mission is to combat food insecurity by providing high-quality, low-cost meals to communities in need. With a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and community-driven impact, we partner with local farms, food suppliers, and volunteers to ensure that no one goes hungry. Whether it’s a student on a budget, a worker looking for a quick, healthy meal, or someone in need, Anna Gari Canteen USA aims to be a reliable source of nourishment and dignity for all.
Anna Canteen was inspired by the vision of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who believed that no one should go hungry due to poverty. The concept was later implemented by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in 2018, under N. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership, as a public welfare initiative aimed at providing high-quality, subsidized meals to economically disadvantaged individuals.
The name “Anna” (meaning “food” in Sanskrit and Telugu, and also a respectful term for an elder brother) symbolizes nourishment, care, and social responsibility. The canteens were modeled after Tamil Nadu’s Amma Canteens, which were introduced by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
Anna Canteens provided breakfast, lunch, and dinner for as low as ₹5 per meal, ensuring that even the poorest individuals could afford a nutritious diet. These meals included traditional South Indian dishes like idli, upma, sambar rice, and curd rice, prepared hygienically and served in a dignified manner.
Beyond just providing food, Anna Canteens were a symbol of social welfare and equitable development, showing how a government initiative could directly improve public well-being. Bringing a similar model to the U.S. could create a powerful impact by tackling food insecurity, homelessness, and economic hardship while fostering a culture of compassion and community-driven solutions.
Anna Gari Canteen
What Makes Us Special?
✔️ Affordable Meals for All
We believe everyone deserves access to nutritious, high-quality meals. Our prepaid plans make dining affordable, with meals as low as $4.99.
✔️ Nutritious, Homely Dishes
From South Indian classics to fusion delights, our menu is crafted with care, offering both flavor and nourishment in every bite.
✔️ Sustainability at Heart
Our approach emphasizes efficiency, minimal food waste, and a greener future for everyone.
✔️ Convenience Meets Quality
Order ahead, pick up anytime, or enjoy flexible prepaid plans – we make it easy for you to enjoy a meal that feels like home.
Choose Your Meal
Pick from our delicious menu featuring authentic South Indian flavors, rice bowls, biryanis, crispy wings, and more.
Pay with Ease
Enjoy flexible payment options, whether paying per meal or saving with our prepaid meal memberships.
Pick Up or Get It Delivered
Pre-order for a quick pickup or opt for doorstep delivery for a hassle-free dining experience.
