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

Literacy Rates in Alliance with School Feeding in India

 India, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, has long recognised the importance of education as a catalyst for social and economic progress. Thanks to government initiatives like the school feeding programme, school enrolments, retention and learning outcomes have significantly improved across schools in the country (Source: State Survey of School Meal Programs: India 2020 by Global Child Nutrition Foundation). 

Consequently, the growth in India’s literacy rate has also accelerated since the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (now called the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) was started in 2001. Today, it stands at 74.04%, with Kerala being the most literate state (92.2%), followed by union territory Lakshadweep (91.85%) and Mizoram (91.33%). 

When India won independence in 1947, four out of five of its citizens could not read. Today, three out of five Indians can read and write. While the male literacy rate in India stands at 84.7%, the female literacy rate has also grown over the years. As per the World Bank India report, about 9% of girls were literate when India gained independence, which has jumped to 77% today.

The steady improvement in the literacy rate over the years is a positive sign in our collective pursuit of 100% literacy. It is important that we identify the contributing factors and enhance them as per the need.

Role of school feeding programmes in improving literacy rates

Many impoverished families struggle to meet their basic food needs. Thus, some NGOs run dedicated programmes or help execute existing government initiatives like the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan to ensure proper nutrition for children from low-income families and guarantee its multifaceted impact on literacy.

A regular supply of free school meals incentivises parents to send their children to schools consistently. It relieves them from the burden and motivates them to prioritise their children’s education over compelling them to support the family. Consequently, more children attend school regularly, leading to improved literacy rates.

Furthermore, mid-day meals address nutritional deficiencies in children and directly impact their ability to focus and engage in the learning process. Well-nourished children are more likely to be receptive to lessons and active in co-curricular activities. As a result, better learning outcomes translate to higher literacy rates.

School meals foster a conducive environment for learning. During the lunch break, children interact with one another, promoting social skills, teamwork and a sense of belonging. It generates an inclusive space where students from diverse backgrounds thrive academically as well as personally.

NGOs also leverage school meals as an avenue for education on nutrition, hygiene and healthy habits. Through interactive sessions and awareness drives, they educate students about the importance of balanced diets, personal hygiene and sanitation practices. The knowledge strikes a ripple of positive change, as children become mediators, advocating for healthier lifestyles within their families and communities.

In conclusion

The fast growth in literacy rates in India in the decades after independence, even in the face of a remarkable rise in its population, indicates a positive trend. School feeding programmes have played a vital role in pushing up the numbers by bringing children to school, helping them focus, enhancing their cognitive abilities and improving their overall health.  

NGOs are constantly at work through well-rounded research and collaboration with stakeholders to effectively implement these programmes and help transform the country’s educational landscape in pursuit of a brighter future. As responsible citizens, we can help speed up progress by supporting them through a humble contribution right from where we reside. 

Consider supporting PM POSHAN Abhiyaan for a future with equal access to nutrition, education and other necessities for all. By donating or volunteering with registered NGOs, you can become a part of the solution and bring lasting impact on millions of lives.