Long-lasting impact of Midday Meal : Study
Recently a study has been done by experts from International Food Policy Research Institute. This study attempts to conduct a first of its kind inter-generational analysis of the effects of this mass feeding program.
Key Features,
- The mid-day meal scheme was associated with a 13–32% improvement in height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) by India between 2006 and 2016.
- There was a strong association between mid-day meals at lower socio-economic strata and reduction in stunting in the next generation. This has been made possible through women’s education, fertility and their access to health services.
- Stamina is a physical condition when a child’s height is less than his age.
Mid Day Meal Scheme:
- This scheme was started in the year 1995. Under this, free cooked food is provided to children in government schools. This meal contains minimum energy of 450 kcal.
- By the year 2011, with the expansion in the budget and the implementation of the Supreme Court order, the coverage had increased to 48 per cent.
Other measures to prevent malnutrition:
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Under Supplementary Nutrition Programme, Development Monitoring and Promotion, Nutrition and Health Education etc. are provided.
- POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched in the year 2017. It is a major national nutrition mission to improve nutrition among children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
Source – The Hindu
