Impact of mid-day meal scheme on the nutritional status and academic achievement of school children in Aligarh city

Children are the most vulnerable group that suffers from malnutrition and nutritional deficiency. Under nutrition during any period of childhood, even forrelatively short term episodes, can have negative effects on the cognitive development thus leads to poor school performance among children. The research question is-does the mid-day meal scheme have an impact on the nutritional status and academic achievement of school children (6–14 years) in Aligarh city? This was a Cross-sectional study Conducted at six government primary schools Mid Day Meal (MDM)) and six public primary schools (Non-Mid Day Meal (NMDM)) of urban areas ofAligarh city in which children of similar socio-economic status were studied. Simple random sampling was used for selection of children. Study variables taken were height, weight and general physical examination and academic achievement record. Results of the study indicated that the nutritional status and academic achievement of MDM school children was poorer than NMDM school children. The age of children was found similar at the time of admission and fee structure were found to be almost same in both the schools. The study reveals poor nutritional status and academic achievement of school children receiving mid day meal (MDM) every day. The reason for poor result for schools providing Mid Day Meals could be irregular attendance of children in school, less amount of Mid Day Meal, poor quality of food items in Mid Day Meals, less number of appointed teachers, combined teaching of different standard, lack of class room etc. All these parameters need to be further studied and evaluated for these impact on academic achievement.