The recent publication of a new study on the intergenerational benefits of India’s Midday Meal Scheme offers valuable insights into the program’s impact on child growth. It reveals compelling findings about its long-term effects, especially in terms of reducing malnutrition and stunting among children.
The Study’s Key Findings
The study, utilizing nationally representative data covering a period of 23 years, is a pioneering examination of the intergenerational consequences of a large-scale feeding program. It delves into aspects such as child growth, women’s education, fertility, and usage of health services among different socio-economic strata.
It was found that children born to beneficiaries of the mid-day meal scheme have better growth statistics. Specifically, girls who had access to free lunches in government schools produced offspring with a higher height-to-age ratio compared to counterparts who never availed of the benefit.
Midday Meal Scheme and Stunting
One notable result of the study is the direct inverse relationship between the prevalence of stunting and the implementation of the midday meal scheme. By 2016, areas where the scheme was introduced in 2005 reflected lower rates of stunting. More significantly, the link between midday meals and reduced stunting was strongest among the lower socio-economic groups.
Unfortunately, interruptions in schooling and the meal scheme could impact more than current students – it could also negatively affect the nutritional health of the next generation.
An Overview of the Midday Meal Scheme
Launched in 1995 under the Ministry of Education, the Midday meal scheme aims to universalize primary education. It ensures cooked meals for all enrolled students aged six to fourteen years studying in classes I to VIII.
Besides addressing hunger and malnutrition, the scheme also promotes school enrolment and attendance and fosters socialization among different castes. Moreover, it provides employment opportunities at the grassroots level, especially for women.
Managing Quality and Food Security with Regulations
The scheme ensures quality control by procuring AGMARK quality items for meal preparation and mandates the routine tasting of meals by adult members of the school management committee. On days when food grains are unavailable or meals cannot be provided due to other reasons, the state government is required to pay food security allowance to affected pupils by the 15th of the succeeding month.
Nutritional Standards and Coverage
The midday meals are designed to meet specific nutritional standards: 450 calories and 12 gm of protein for primary students (classes I-V), and 700 calories and 20 gm protein for upper primary students (classes VI-VIII). The program covers all government and government-aided schools, as well as Madarsa and Maqtabs that are supported under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
Challenges facing the Midday Meal Scheme
Despite its benefits, the Midday meal scheme confronts multiple issues. These include corruption, caste-based bias and discrimination, and disruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With the nationwide lockdown limiting access to essential services like the Midday Meals, alternatives such as dry food grains or cash transfers have been mobilized, albeit with lesser impact than the original hot cooked meals.
The Menace of Malnutrition
According to the National Family Health Survey-5, several Indian states reflect worsening levels of child malnutrition. India harbors approximately 30% of the world’s stunted children and nearly 50% of severely wasted children under five years old. The Global Nutrition Report 2020 further places India among 88 nations set to miss global nutrition targets by 2025. In the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2020, India is ranked 94 among 107 countries, indicating a “serious” level of hunger.
Looking Ahead
Given these findings, it is clear that efforts to improve maternal height and education must be initiated well before these women become mothers. While the battle against stunting has traditionally concentrated on enhancing nutrition for young children, experts argue that maternal health and well-being are fundamental to reducing stunting in future generations. Therefore, expanding and improving school meals are necessary for inter-generational benefits. With many Indian girls completing school, getting married, and having children within a short span of years, school-based intervention could prove extremely advantageous.
