Improving Nutrition And Delivery Practices Through Training And Capacity Building In The Largest School Meal Programme

Abstract

Background: Having achieved delivery of cooked food in all states and reaching out to children  (6-14 yrs) through centralized and decentralized delivery model Mid Day Meal scheme has not  been able to achieve its own mandate of providing nutrition. Many studies have attributed gaps  in delivery to lack of awareness and trained human resource in preparation of cooked meals. 

Objectives: A pilot study was undertaken in two blocks of Faizabad district with an objective  of providing interventions in area of human resource development and community participation. Methodology: Through baseline survey (n= 70 schools) in two blocks, issues in delivery were  studied and provided specific interventions. Results: Baseline survey established the fact that  quantities consumed by the child do not provide prescribed nutrition. Menu was standardized for  amounts and standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Pictorial training manual was developed  to train master trainers as well as cooks. Location specific training using local idiom was used  and campaign was conducted to enhance community participation in 45 villages. Conclusion:  Accomplishing comprehensive improvement without proper human resource policy is a challenge  especially in rural areas. Developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), awareness and  capacity building through campaigns and training had positive impact on delivery of nutrition.