Seshadri, Shreelata Rao and B. S., Rishikesh and Prasad, Prateeti and Patil, Sheetal
(2020)
Handling classroom hunger : comparing modes of mid-day meal
delivery in Anekal block, Karnataka.
Working Paper.
Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.
Abstract
: The Mid-Day Meal (MDM) is an important nutrition-specific intervention of the Government of
India, providing a specified quantum of food and calories for children in primary schools across the country.
The New Education Policy (2020) reiterates the importance of ensuring that childhood flourishing is not
impeded by classroom hunger. There are currently several models for providing the MDM in schools – either
through kitchens established within the schools or through an external agency (NGO).
The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a quality-controlled mid-day meal program from a centralized
kitchen on children’s nutritional indicators and learning outcomes, in comparison to the standard meal
provided by government/NGOs. In addition, the study looked at household characteristics of students to
determine their impact on children’s nutritional outcomes.
The study was conducted in Anekal block in Bangalore district, Karnataka, and looked at the difference in
nutritional outcomes of children in schools where the MDM was a) cooked within the school; b) provided by
Akshay Patra, and c) provided by an alternate NGO. Anthropometric measures were taken of children in 16
government schools, as well as their learning outcomes in Kannada and Mathematics. In addition, household
characteristics were recorded.
The findings show that children in primary school are at nutritional risk, and MDM is a key intervention that
can make a material difference. Ensuring that this meal is wholesome, nutritious and adequate is critical. Of
the three sources of MDM studied, students in schools supplied by Akshay Patra were found to be statistically
significantly better off in terms of standard anthropometric measures. Taste and hygiene are important
determinants of whether children eat the MDM.
A simple regression analysis of children’s/household characteristics and BMI revealed the following
significant coefficients at the .05 level: gender, type of kitchen (Akshay Patra), age of the child, mother’s
weight, availability of ration card and consumption of green, leafy vegetables by the index child. Regarding
the relationship between nutritional status and learning outcomes, the data did not show any correlation
between learning outcomes and BMI status in any of the groups by gender or class.
India’s mid-day meal scheme is the largest scheme of its type globally. To reap its full benefit, the government
needs to focus on improving its quality and nutritional value, and thereby enhance its impact. In addition,
the outreach of nutritional support programs that enhance household availability of food, such as the Public
Distribution System, should be expanded. The paper also argues for better management of schools: our data
show a strong relationship between learning outcomes and overall school management; and demonstrates
that it has implications for the MDM delivery model selected by the school. This reinforces the importance of
putting more resources towards strengthening school management capacity, for the positive impacts on both
nutritional and learning outcomes.
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