Common Myths About Mid Day Meal Program That Need To Be Vanished

 Gone are the days when many impoverished families considered a child to be an additional resource to fetch income to feed the family. With the initiative of the Mid-day Meal Scheme, the government has given many poor and underprivileged parents a solid reason to send their children to school. Through hunger, the problem of literacy was targeted. Year after year, many children are now encouraged to attend school. But still, there are some loopholes related to the mid day meal programme in the minds of unaware and uneducated parents that need to be resolved so that the kids can attain the desired education.

Here we will be talking about the common myths related to mid day meal programs that are totally wrong and must be dispelled.



MYTH - Mid day meals are not healthy & nutritious. It only targets hunger, not tackling nutritional deficiencies found in children.

FACT - It is often seen that people have this mindset related to the nutritional value of mid day meals. However, the Mid-Day Meal Guidelines guarantee that meals include enough amounts of proteins, carbs, and other micronutrients. MDM must supply at least 450 calories with 12 grams of protein to elementary school pupils, according to the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

MYTH – No measure has been taken to check the food quality and hygiene.

FACT - In the form of surprise visits by authorities, proper assessment and monitoring have been done from time to time. This involves things like pre-tasting prepared meals, meetings to assure a high quality, lab testing of samples, and hygiene improvements, among other things. Yes, careful monitoring is required to enhance quality standards.

MYTH – Mid day meal schemes don’t focus on the overall development of a child.

FACT - The main goal of the school meal program is to alleviate hunger and education challenges in schools by providing hot prepared meals. It also strives to enhance children's nutritional status, as well as enrollment, attendance, and retention rates in schools along with some other learning institutions.

MID DAY MEAL SCHEME – THE CHALLENGES

Lack of sufficient infrastructure and resources are among the challenges and concerns raised in relation to the execution of the midday meal. There is also a scarcity of food storage facilities, which frequently results in food waste. In some locations, shortage of safe drinking water is also seen as a major impediment to the program.

MID DAY MEAL SCHEME - PRIVATE PARTICIPATION

MDM is being implemented with the help of non-governmental organisations or NGOs in several states as part of public-private collaboration with the State Government. Akshaya Patra Foundation, Annamrita, Nandi organisation, and others are among the organisations that provide clean and nutritious midday meals to children.

Summing Up!

With the motive to offer healthy and nutritious food to underprivileged children, the Government is taking essential initiatives from time to time. Yes, there is room for improvement in terms of money allocations and infrastructural development. However, it is important to recognise that the initiatives and their success will be contingent on widespread public engagement and cooperation. Help with a meal, Hunger they feel!

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