Being counted asthe world’s largest school lunch program, the Mid Day Meal Plan (MDMS) was started by the Indian government in August 1995 to increase enrolment, retention, and attendance while also boosting nutritional levels among youngsters. It is a huge initiative by the government of India that is carried out on a large scale. The success of the program largely depends on the support and involvement of the community. Still, many are not aware of the fact – how to contribute to the success of this mid day meal project.
Following aresome ways in which the community can take the initiative –
By creating awareness:
Around 50% of teenagers do not complete secondaryschool, and nearly 20 million youngsters do not attend preschool. As a community member, you can help spread awareness about the importance of the mid day meal scheme in the neighborhoods, particularly among families with school-going children. This can help increase the enrolment of children in schools and ensure that they receive nutritious meals.
Volunteering:
Community members can volunteer their time and resources to support the mid day meal programme. They can assist in the preparation and distribution of food, help with the cleaning of the kitchen and dining areas, and assist in the management and organization of the program.
Monitoring and Supervising:
Serving 120million children in over 1.27 million schools and Education Guarantee Scheme centres is not a small task. The community can play an active role in the task of monitoring and supervising such a massive program. They can help ensure that the food is cooked in a hygienic environment, the meals are served on time, and the menu is varied and nutritious.
Role of Feedback:
Communitymembers can provide feedback on the quality of the food served in schools, the service, and the overall functioning of the program. This feedback can help identify areas for improvement and enable the authorities to take corrective measures.
Donations:
If you don’thave much time to invest, then donating a small amount from your earnings can play a significant role in bringing success to a finance-related aspect of this programme. Be a part of an NGO food donation and donate funds, food, or other resources to support the mid-day meal scheme. This can include donations of rice, vegetables, cooking oil, or other items that are needed to prepare meals.
Together for a healthier tomorrow
From monitoringto the overall evaluation of the regulation of this school meal program, there is a lot where the community can play its role. By working together, the government and the community can ensure that children receive nutritious meals, which can improve their health, attendance, and academic performance. Moreover, they can also advocate for the inclusion of more nutritious and diverse foods in the menu and the provision of better infrastructure for the program.
