“Uttar Pradesh’s expanded school meal program aims to improve child nutrition by providing free, balanced meals to millions of students. The initiative focuses on reducing malnutrition, enhancing academic performance, and incorporating local, nutrient-rich foods. With new guidelines and increased funding, the state is addressing dietary gaps to support healthier futures for children.”
Uttar Pradesh Enhances School Meal Initiative for Child Health
Program Expansion and Goals
The Uttar Pradesh government has significantly expanded its Mid-Day Meal (MDM) program to cover more schools and students, targeting over 1.5 crore children across primary and upper primary schools. The initiative, aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, emphasizes nutritious meals to combat malnutrition and improve cognitive development. Recent data indicates that 30% of children in UP suffer from stunting due to poor nutrition, prompting this ambitious rollout.
Nutritional Standards Upgraded
The updated program introduces stricter nutritional guidelines, ensuring meals include protein-rich pulses, green vegetables, and millets like jowar and bajra. The state has mandated a minimum of 450 calories and 12 grams of protein per meal for primary students, with higher standards for older children. Local sourcing of ingredients is prioritized to enhance freshness and support regional farmers, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Impact on Academic Performance
Studies, including a 2023 report by the National Institute of Nutrition, show that well-nourished children exhibit 15-20% better academic performance and attendance. The expanded MDM program aims to reduce dropout rates, particularly in rural areas, where 40% of children rely on school meals as their primary nutrition source. Schools are also introducing nutrition education to promote healthy eating habits.
Community and Infrastructure Support
To ensure effective implementation, the state has allocated ₹2,000 crore for 2025-26, a 25% increase from the previous year. This funding supports kitchen upgrades, hygiene training for cooks, and real-time monitoring systems to track meal quality. Community participation is encouraged through School Management Committees, ensuring accountability and cultural relevance in menu planning.
Addressing Malnutrition Challenges
Uttar Pradesh faces significant malnutrition challenges, with 46% of children under five showing signs of undernutrition, per the 2022 NFHS-5 survey. The expanded program targets vulnerable groups, including girls and children from marginalized communities, by offering fortified foods like iron-enriched rice. Partnerships with NGOs ensure nutritional supplements reach remote areas.
Innovative Additions
The state is piloting millet-based recipes to promote sustainable agriculture and dietary diversity. Weekly menus now include local delicacies like bajra khichdi and ragi porridge, which are cost-effective and nutrient-dense. Additionally, the government is collaborating with health experts to address micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron and vitamin A, through fortified meals.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on recent government announcements, reports from the National Institute of Nutrition, and data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2022). Information is sourced from credible public domains and verified as of September 2025. Readers are advised to consult official government releases for the latest updates.
Tags:
School Meal Program
Child Nutrition
Uttar Pradesh
Mid-Day Meal
Malnutrition
Education
Healthy Eating
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