Impact of free mid-day meal program on academic performance in public schools of Nepal

Public school students are the major sources of human capital within the country. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of government expenditure on the mid-day meal program to develop the academic activities of students within the country. To examine the students' attendance, retention, and overall academic performance in public schools, this study has developed structured questionnaires and has collected data from 50 samples from the selected study area. This included 21 students chosen through random sampling and 29 participants selected purposively: 21 parents, 3 teachers, and 5 school management committee members. Quantitative data have been analyzed using tables and figures. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically and presented in narrative form. The findings show that the mid-day meal program increased enrollment rates and reduced dropout cases as well as raised the overall academic careers of the students. Schools provided a mid-day meal budget, and students brought homemade food for lunch. This program is focused on homemade food, so junk food has been avoided in school, which directly affects children's health. Therefore, the government should raise the mid-day meal program budget to improve academic performance as well as human capital within the country.