The Department of School Education & Literacy in Bengaluru has taken a significant step to ensure the quality of mid-day meals served to children under their scheme. In response to complaints about the improper usage of vegetables and pulses in the meals, the department has decided to constitute a committee consisting of dieticians. This committee will play a crucial role in ensuring that the meals provided are nutritionally balanced and meet the required standards.

Source: The Indian Express

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Madhu Bangarappa, the Minister of School Education & Literacy, emphasized the importance of consulting with the committee to revise the food chart for schools across the state. Concerned about maintaining nutritional value despite fluctuations in vegetable prices, Madhu discussed the possibility of enhancing the quality of pulses or rice and considering suitable alternatives for vegetables during price hikes.

Source: DNA India

“We must guarantee that children receive quality and nutritious meals, without compromise, even in the face of price increases,” Madhu emphasized, expressing his commitment to the well-being of the children. He also stressed the importance of incorporating unpolished rice into the meals, citing its nutritional advantages over polished rice, despite the preference for the latter among parents and children.

Source: DH

The department currently serves approximately 450 calories and 12 grams of protein to each primary level child and 700 calories and 20 grams of protein to each higher primary level child. These nutritional requirements are met through specific quantities of rice/flour, pulses, vegetables, and oil used in the preparation of the meals.

Source: DH

The decision to form this committee underlines the department’s dedication to addressing the concerns regarding the quality and nutritional content of the mid-day meals provided to school children. By incorporating expert advice and revising the food chart, the department aims to ensure that every child receives a well-balanced and nourishing meal, promoting their overall health and well-being.