MID-DAY MEAL PROGRAM & BALWADI NUTRITION PROGRAM

MID-DAY MEAL PROGRAM & BALWADI NUTRITION PROGRAM

• Malnutrition among school-going and preschool children is a major public health issue in India.

• To combat undernutrition and ensure proper physical and mental development, government-led nutrition programs such as the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) and Balwadi Nutrition Program have been introduced.

• These programs aim to supplement the daily nutritional requirements of children and improve school attendance and retention.

OBJECTIVES OF NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMS

• To improve the nutritional status of children.

• To reduce the incidence of morbidity and mortality due to malnutrition.

• To enhance school attendance and reduce dropout rates.

• To inculcate healthy food habits from an early age.

• To provide a safety net for underprivileged sections of society.

MID-DAY MEAL PROGRAM

DEFINITION AND ORIGIN

• It is a school meal program launched by the Government of India to improve the nutritional status of school-age children.

• Launched as a centrally sponsored scheme on 15th August 1995.

• Presently known as PM POSHAN Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana).

TARGET GROUP

• Children studying in Government, Government-aided, and Local Body schools.

• Age group: 6–14 years.

• Covers classes I to VIII.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT SPECIFIED

• Primary Schools: 450 kcal and 12g protein per child per day.

• Upper Primary Schools: 700 kcal and 20g protein per child per day.

MENU AND FOOD COMPONENTS

• Variety of food is provided including rice, dal, vegetables, oil, and condiments.

• Fortified foods, eggs or milk included in some states.

• Locally available and culturally acceptable items encouraged.

BENEFITS

• Prevents classroom hunger.

• Improves school enrollment, attendance, and retention.

• Enhances social equity – reduces caste-based discrimination.

• Provides employment opportunities to women (cooks and helpers).

IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISM

• Joint collaboration of Ministry of Education, state governments, local bodies, and NGOs.

• Meals prepared on-site or supplied by centralized kitchens.

• Regular health checkups and deworming are part of the initiative.

MODERN REFERENCE

• As per Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, mid-day meal programs are an essential supplementary feeding intervention to support growth and learning in school-aged children.

BALWADI NUTRITION PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION

• Launched in 1970, under the Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW).

• Focuses on the nutritional needs of preschool children in rural and slum areas.

TARGET GROUP

• Children in the age group of 3–6 years attending Balwadis (pre-primary schools).

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

• 300 kcal and 8–10g of protein per child per day.

• Supplementary food includes roasted grams, chikki, porridge, khichdi, etc.

• Provision for one meal per day.

OBJECTIVES

• To prevent malnutrition among children under six years.

• To prepare children physically and mentally for formal schooling.

• To improve child-care practices in low-income families.

IMPLEMENTATION

• Managed by ICCW, state governments, and local bodies.

• Often linked with Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) for better efficiency.

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON BALAHARA & PATHYA-AHAR

IMPORTANCE OF BALAHARA (CHILD DIET)

• In Ayurveda, Bala Ahar is crucial for Sharira Vriddhi (physical growth), Dhatu Pushti (tissue nourishment), and Medha Vriddhi (mental development).

आहारसम्पत् बलवर्णकराणां ॥
(चरक संहिता, सूत्रस्थान 27/348)
“Wholesome and proper diet brings strength and good complexion.”

दोषानिलान्नातिपिच्छीलशीतं नात्युष्णमन्नं मधुरं हितं च।
बालान्नमेतत् सुरसोपकल्पं प्राश्यं यथायोगमनल्पलेशम् ॥
(काश्यप संहिता, अन्नपान विधि अध्याय)
“Children’s food should be unctuous, neither too cold nor too hot, sweet in taste, palatable and easy to digest.”

IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION IN CHILDHOOD – AYURVEDA AND MODERN VIEW

• Proper nutrition in childhood is the foundation for Swastha Jeevana (healthy life).

• Both Ayurveda and modern science stress on balanced diet, timely meals, and hygienic food practices.

• Malnutrition leads to Agnimandya (low digestive fire) and Dhatu Kshaya (tissue depletion) as per Ayurvedic perspective.

• In modern medicine, it results in wasting, stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, and lowered immunity.

ROLE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND HEALTH EDUCATION

• Community involvement ensures monitoring and acceptance of the programs.

• Health education is essential for awareness on child nutrition, hygiene, and dietary diversity.

• Inclusion of Ayurvedic dietary principles and Dinacharya in community awareness may enhance overall impact.