A Systematic Review of School Feeding Program in Canada and India: Perspectives for Mutual Improvement

ABSTRACT Food and nutrition are essential for children’s physical and cognitive development, yet malnutrition affects millions globally, hindering their learning ability. School meal programs improve education, health, and nutrition, but Canada remains the only G7 country without a national program. It relies on diverse regional initiatives with varying funding models and delivery methods, leading to inconsistent outcomes. Canada is in the process of formulating a National School Food Policy. The paper aims to examine the School Feeding Program (SFP) in Canada and India’s Mid-Day Meal Program (MDMP) to identify replicable features and provide evidence-based recommendations for developing a national school feeding program in Canada. A Systematic literature review was carried out to analyze the current state of Canada’s school feeding program. The review also examined India’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme, its objectives, policies, and implementation strategies. Analysis of the selected literature revealed several key themes, including the relationship between nutrition and children’s well-being, the status of the School Feeding Program in Canada, barriers to establishing a national school food program, and the critical need for such an initiative. Additionally, the discussion highlights replicable insights from India’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme that could be modified and replicated in the National School Feeding Program in Canada. Keywords: School feeding program, Canada, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, India, Food Insecurity