Food Inflation in India Hits School Meal Programs, Leaving Needy Children Hungry
India’s persistent food inflation over the past two years is taking a toll on government-funded school meals for impoverished children. Rising prices of essential food items like vegetables, fruits, and pulses have forced schools to cut back on key ingredients, affecting the quality and quantity of meals provided to students.
Despite the mid-day meal scheme covering around 120 million children in government schools, the budget for the program has not seen an increase in the last two years. This has led to compromises in the nutritional value of meals, with schools opting for cheaper ingredients to manage costs.
With food inflation averaging 6.3% in recent years, teachers and administrators struggle to provide adequate and balanced meals to students. Families like Ranjit Nayak’s in Odisha are feeling the impact, as they rely on school meals for their children’s nutrition.
The government’s delay in increasing meal allocations further exacerbates the situation, leaving millions of vulnerable children hungry and malnourished. Urgent action is needed to address the nutritional needs of these children, especially during times of high inflation and economic hardship.
Solutions Needed for Nutritional Crisis
As India grapples with high food prices and low wages, it is crucial to prioritize nutritional schemes for the most vulnerable populations. The lack of political will to address these challenges highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts to ensure access to healthy and balanced diets for all.