OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190816
Operational Management of School Nutrition Programs Promoting Child Health Toward Community Sustainability Outcome
Priyanka Mishra 1, Damodar Jena *2, Surendra Kumar Jena 3, Tulishree Pradhan 4, Rajkishore Rout 5
1 KIIT School of Architecture and Planning, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
2,3 KIIT School of Rural Management, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
4 KIIT School of Law, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
5 KIIT School of Applied Sciences, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
* Corresponding authour: damodarjena@ksrm.ac.in
Volume 19, Issue 08, Pg. 229-244, 2026
Abstract: Nutrition program management within schools is important for ensuring that both child health and sustainability results are achieved. The programs that are meant to provide nutritious food are important because it will improve the health status of children while contributing to overall sustainability issues. This study focuses on evaluating the efficiency and operation problems associated with such nutrition programs with regard to sustainability. A mixed-methods research design was used, incorporating a quantitative component (a structured survey), qualitative data from interviews and focus groups, and observations. This sample comprised 80 people, including students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and local health officials. It was found that the school nutrition program had a significant impact on child health, including nutritional status (75% improvement), BMI (60% improvement), academic performance (70% improvement), and physical well-being (72.5% improvement). Furthermore, this community was very involved and this was correlated with the success of the program, proving the impact of stakeholder involvement. Regression analysis also showed that operational factors (e.g., resource allocation, integration with local health policies and stakeholder engagement) significantly impact successful programs, with stakeholder engagement the most influential (0.40). The ANOVA was used to find the relationship between community engagement and better health, and it confirmed the need for engagement in the community. The qualitative findings included operational constraints, including a lack of resources, logistical limitations and the need for greater staff training, resource allocation and community communication. The operational management structure that is well-integrated to accommodate the health, education and sustainability goals is emphasized in this research. In this context, the school nutrition programs could be more effective, larger and longer-lasting in the long run, benefiting not only the health of the children but also the health of the community as a whole.
Keywords: Nutrition, Child Health, Community Engagement, Operational Management, Food Security, Education Policy, Stakeholder Engagement
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