Asha Arizona

Socio economic survey of the school revealed that more than 80% of the children come from families whose annual income does not exceed Rs 15,000-00 per annum Deenabandhu observed that for one whole year (2004) that the children were skipping their lunch, which was evident as a few would swoon in the classrooms invariably revealing the fact that they did not even had their proper breakfast.

Acting on this problem Deenabandhu created a fund called “MIDDAY MEAL PROGRAMME FUND”. Such being the level of poverty we were forced to start the midday meal program. The meal consists of simple rice for carbohydrates, Pulses for proteins, and lot of vegetables for minerals and curds (butter milk) Total Number of children in the school provided with midday meal: 160 Number of meal to be provided in the year: 220 working days x 160 children

In the year 2004-05 they received funds from various individual donors to cover the expenses for the mid-day meal program In year 2005-06 they will raise upto Rs 1 lac They are falling short by 2.3 lacs for 2005-06

Total fund needed Rs 1.8 lacs (~$4100 @ 45) Funds already routed from Deshpande Foundation(Boston)to the tune of $1,700 $1000 to be used for Midday Meal Scheme 2005 $ 700 to be used towards sponsor a child Remaining amount requested from Asha-Arizona (~$4100)

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Are they using the government grant for mid-day meal scheme? Government only provides subsidized ration for the mid-day meal scheme. Deenabandhu does not use it due to the sub-standard quality of ration provided How much does per meal cost come down to? I calculated it to be around Rs. 9-10 per meal, if they spend Rs. 3,30,000 per year. I visited them last year and the quality of food was pretty good.