The National School Meal Program in India: A Literature Review

Abstract

Objective: To describe the Indian school meal program (Mid-Day Meal: MDM) with the aim of improving the nutritional status of children. Method: This study investigated the Indian central government's reports and articles about the school meal program. Results: In India, the MDM has been institutionalized, along with compulsory education. In 2015-2016, MDM coverage was 81%, with a high proportion of MDM working days. However, the school attendance rate was low, with many absent children. Despite established nutritional standards for school meals and hygiene management guidelines, there were no data on school compliance rates. To evaluate processes, each school reported to the central government, as part of a national system of monitoring system operational situations (e.g., coverage). The expected improvement in children's nutritional status after the introduction of the MDM has never been confirmed because no national health survey has been carried out to evaluate outcomes. By introducing the MDM and promoting compulsory education, the central government has triggered a rise in school enrollment rates. A plan-do-check-act (PDCA) system is in place, with a Steering-cum-Monitoring Committee assuming a key role in this system. Conclusions: When the MDM was institutionalized in India, along with compulsory education, it represented the world's largest school meal program. The Japanese experience of introducing a children's national health surveillance system could be useful in evaluating the success of the MDM program in improving children's nutrition.