Indianapolis startup featured on Good Morning America
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An Indianapolis-based startup that aims to help parents and schools move away from plastic dishes and lunch trays received national attention this week.
Ahimsa, founded by Indianapolis pediatrician Dr. Manasa Mantravadi, was featured on Good Morning America’s “Deals & Steals” segment on Tuesday, along with five other women-owned small businesses, in recognition of Women’s History Month.
The company has developed stainless steel tableware for children and lunch trays for schools with the goal of reducing dependence on plastic during mealtime.
“Science tells us that plastic is harmful to human health, and so now, pediatricians are recommending stainless steel as a safe option for your family dining table,” Mantravadi told GMA hosts Robin Roberts and Tory Johnson. “Our parents will tell us their child won’t use anything else.”
You can watch the segment in the video player below, with Ahimsa being featured at the 2:05 mark.
Mantravadi spoke with IIB Business of Health Reporter Kylie Veleta in 2022 when Ahimsa launched its line of lunch trays. She said the product line is already being used in some schools.
“This one simple change is sparking so much conversation among students. So yes, it’s a healthier, safer alternative. But they’re learning about the why behind the change, which is really why I launched this company,” Mantravadi said. ”It’s like such a simple solution to such a big problem. So I hope that all the you know, schools in the state in the country can adopt such a change.”
She said schools that have piloted the use of stainless steel trays are recouping their investment within two years.