Beating Hunger with Mid-Day Meals

"An empty stomach is not a good political advisor." 

These timeless words of Albert Einstein encapsulate the profound connection between hunger and the well-being of nations. 

Hunger remains a burning issue globally, with millions of people in developing and underdeveloped countries struggling to secure their daily sustenance. One among the developing nations, India is making significant strides in combating this challenge, where government initiatives like the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (earlier called the Mid-Day Meal or MDM Programme) have garnered much acclaim. 

Today, India is the most populous country in the world, and yet has shown remarkable progress on both the political and economic front. But it also understands the threat of chronic hunger and the need to support its socioeconomically challenged communities in ending the vicious cycle of poverty and the resulting malnourishment.

Providing nutritious school meals is a successful intervention by the Indian government in this domain. It not only guarantees the well-being of government school children from low-income families but also addresses the underlying issues in economic growth, education, sustainable progress and inclusive development. 

By collaborating with government bodies, local authorities and self-help groups, PM POSHAN Abhiyaan also helps empower underprivileged communities by employing them or using raw materials and other resources they produce.

Battling Hunger with Mid-Day Meals

The Government of India started the Mid-Day Meal or MDM Programme (now called the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) in 2001 to support children's growth requirements with free nutritious meals in government and government-aided primary schools.

Several NGOs partnered with the government for the effective implementation of the programme and promote its zero hunger goals. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is one of these NGOs that works in a public-private partnership to provide mid-day meals to school children from underserved communities. 

Nutritional Guidelines for Mid-Day Meal Preparation

Guidelines by the Supreme Court of India

• Every child must get a minimum of 300 calories and 8-12 grams of protein per day.

• Adequate nutrition must be provided on all school days for a minimum of 200 days.

Mid-Day Meal Guidelines by the Ministry of Education

• Every meal must contain carbohydrates, proteins and micronutrients, such as iron, folic acid, Vitamin A, etc.

• Primary school children must receive at least 450 calories with 12 grams of protein

• Upper primary and secondary school children must receive 700 calories with 20 grams of protein.

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Hunger erodes the very foundation of progress. Those suffering from malnutrition struggle to tap into their true potential, leaving the nation bereft of future scientists, artists and political leaders. Just as "you cannot make bricks without straw", we must first address hunger to attain a robust and thriving India. 

Thus, let us unite and ensure that no stomach remains empty and no dreams are left unfulfilled. Let us be the architects of change by contributing towards mid-day meals for school children and build a nation where no one knows the pangs of hunger.

When you donate to registered NGOs in India, you also become eligible to avail tax exemption on every contribution you make