Operational research on mid day meal program and its outcome on growth of school children in rural area.

ABSTRACT

Background: Mid Day Meal (MDM) program has been launched by the government of India with objective to improve nutritional status of school children. Objective: To assess the impact of MDM on nutritional status of children. Methods: 1503 students from 4 schools were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric measurements and MDM consumption data was collected. Results: Prevalence of underweight ranged from 71.3 % according to CDC 2000 standards while it was 67.8 % according to WHO 2007 standard. The prevalence of stunting was almost 33 % signifying long standing chronic malnutrition. MDM consumption ranged from 52.8 % in one school to 63.6 % in other school. MDM consumption was maximum in December (66.6%) and January (61.7 %). Weekly consumption pattern varied from 58 % to 74 % according to likes and dislikes of the children Conclusion: Proper monitoring of the program should be done to improve the nutritional status of school children.