The Function of Mid-day Meal Scheme: A Critical Analysis of Existing Policies and Procedures in Rayagada District of Odisha (India)

The Government of India initiated the second-largest food security programme, named the mid-day meal (MDM) Scheme to tackle nutrition-related issues, especially for children in backward communities. The main aim of the MDM Scheme in government and government-aided schools is to improve physical and economic access to nutritious food for children. The study evaluates the challenges regarding the existing practices in implementing the MDM Scheme in two blocks of the Rayagada district (Odisha, India). Rayagada district is one of the tribal districts with a high malnutrition condition among children. Further, the two blocks have been selected based on the implementation of MDM on a unique project basis in a resource crunch area. The study shows that the MDM Scheme has challenges with critical implementation issues such as delays in delivery, low-quality food, lack of water facilities and unhygienic cooking and serving practices. The findings have implications for effective implementation of the programme in similar contexts.