Latest News

Iran War Disrupts School Midday Meals Across India, Raises Food Security Concerns

Fuel shortages linked to global conflict impact school nutrition programmes. Experts warn rising food prices could further strain education welfare schemes.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has begun affecting India’s school ecosystem, with reports indicating disruptions in midday meal programmes across several regions. Supply chain issues, particularly shortages of cooking fuel such as LPG, have made it difficult for schools to prepare regular meals, impacting one of the country’s largest student welfare schemes.

In cities like Mumbai and parts of eastern India, schools have already been forced to alter meal menus or replace cooked food with simpler alternatives due to the lack of cooking gas. In some cases, students were provided with items like fruits instead of full meals, raising concerns about nutrition for lakhs of children dependent on these schemes.

The disruption is linked to the broader economic impact of the Iran conflict, which has affected global energy supply routes. Since a significant portion of India’s LPG imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz, supply interruptions have led to shortages and rising costs, directly impacting institutions like schools that rely on subsidised cooking fuel. Adding to the concern, global agencies have warned that the conflict could trigger a rise in food prices worldwide, driven by higher energy costs and disruptions in fertilizer supply. This could further strain government-run nutrition programmes like the midday meal scheme, which provides meals to millions of students daily.

Experts caution that prolonged disruptions may affect not just nutrition but also school attendance and learning outcomes, as midday meals play a crucial role in keeping children in classrooms. The situation highlights how global geopolitical events can have far-reaching consequences on local education systems, particularly for students from economically vulnerable backgrounds.

Click Here for More Latest News