World Food Day: All You Need To Know About Mid-Day Meal Scheme In Indian Schools

World Food Day 2024 and Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Food is vital for human survival; however, approximately one in nine individuals globally suffers from chronic hunger. In response to this pressing issue, the United Nations instituted World Food Day on October 16, 1979, to raise awareness about hunger and the critical need to combat global food insecurity. This annual observance features themes like "Right to food for a better life and a better future," emphasizing food as a basic human right and shedding light on the struggles faced by those who are hungry. In this article, we will discuss about the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in India - a multifaceted programme that strives to ensure no child goes to school hungry.

What is Mid-Day Meal Scheme?
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is an Indian government initiative aimed at enhancing the nutritional well-being of school-aged children across the country. It is designed to cater primary and upper primary schools throughout the India. It is a far-reaching programme that impacts the lives of numerous children, regardless of their socio-economic status.

Also Read: Gautam Buddha University to celebrate World Food Day on October 16

When Mid Day Meal Scheme was introduced in India?
Launched in 1995, Mid-Day Meal Scheme  offers complimentary lunches on students enrolled in primary and upper primary government, government-aided, and local body educational institutions. It was further extended to cover children studying in the Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS), Alternative & Innovative Education (AIE) centres, Madarsa, and Maqtabs schools supported under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (source: education.gov.in, 2014). The significance of mid-day meals in India is undeniable, as they play a vital role in encouraging school attendance among children.

Nutrient-Rich Meals
The menus of the Mid Day Meal Scheme are carefully designed to provide balanced and nutritious meals for school-aged children in India. A standard mid-day meal typically features staples such as rice and roti, an assortment of vegetables, protein-rich lentils, and dairy products.

Mid Day Meal Scheme Renamed
It should be noted that the Mid Day Meal scheme has been renamed as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman or the PM POSHAN Scheme. It was earlier known as the National Programme of Mid Day Meals in Schools and is one of the foremost right-based Centrally Sponsored Schemes under the National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA).