Food and Nutrition Policy: The Government Response

Abstract

Drawing linkages between multiple dimensions of poverty, socioeconomic status of students attending government schools and evidence on nutritional outcomes of children, the chapter critically analyzes government interventions in terms of nutritional policies and programs. Examining the evolution, scope, implications, and impact of programs such as ICDS, MDMS, and PDS, the chapter draws linkages between the accessibility and adequacy of such programs and the implications for children, their households and varied stakeholders. Since health and nutrition policies can have far-reaching impacts on the achievement of other social sector goals—for example, Education for All—it is important that the Government rethinks the current approach. Supporting health and nutrition policies and programs for children in the school age can promote equity by helping to level the playing field between the poorest children and their better off counterparts, and in some cases even remediate early deprivation so that children can reach their full potential. In order to succeed, there needs to be genuine convergence between all policies and programs aimed at enhancing health and nutrition outcomes for children; and no matter what the mechanism, a common understanding and mission needs to be evolved that keeps the interests of the child at front and center.