Mid-Day Meal Scheme in India: An Analysis and Case Studies of Key Initiatives Abstract India’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), now PM POSHAN Abhiyaan, launched in 1995 and rooted in earlier state-led efforts like Tamil Nadu’s 1925 program, aims to combat classroom hunger, boost school enrollment, and improve child nutrition. This report examines the rationale, 75-year success, state-wise performance, and cost-benefit analysis of MDMS, alongside detailed case studies of five key implementing organizations: Akshaya Patra, Naandi Foundation, Annamrita Foundation, Adamya Chetana, and Tamil Nadu’s Noon Meal Program. Over 75 years, MDMS has increased enrollment by 15%, reduced dropout rates, and improved nutritional outcomes, particularly for girls and marginalized groups, serving 118 million children across 1.12 million schools by 2021–22. Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Gujarat excelled early (1950–1975), while Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka led post-1995 due to robust infrastructure and NG...