In schools in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh, children and parents highly rate the nutrition provided under the PM Poshan program. When asked about the school lunch at Robertsganj and Akhada Mahal senior secondary schools, they expressed admiration, noting that the food is tasty and resembles home-cooked meals.
According to the PM Poshan program, dishes according to a set menu are served daily in the schools. Children reported that they do not have to eat the same thing every day because different dishes are served on different days. Furthermore, throughout the week, children are given iron tablets to maintain their health.
The cooking for students is done using fresh vegetables. According to the school teachers, the established PM Poshan program menu is followed, and high-quality ingredients are used for preparation. Rajesh Kumar Singh, the in-charge headmaster of Robertsganj senior secondary school, stated that nutritious and quality food is provided to the children according to the established system of the program.
A system of inspection is in place to ensure good food quality in the school. As per the directive of the District Magistrate, teams at the block and district levels conduct random checks in approximately four to five schools weekly. These groups include Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs). During inspections, officials sit with the children and taste the food, allowing them to assess the nutritional quality directly on site.
Parents' opinions regarding school meals were also positive. One parent shared that his child has a disability and is deaf, but he expresses his gratitude for the food through gestures. Another parent reported that after receiving positive information about the school, he transferred his child from a private school to this government school.
Thanks to the fact that children like the food, it is prepared according to the approved menu, and its quality is regularly checked, parental trust is growing. Under the PM Poshan program, children are not only provided with nutritious food but also attention is paid to their health.