Free school meals policy: how are they governed? comparing India, the USA, Japan, and South Korea

Free school meals policy have been implemented globally as a mechanism to promote academic and nutritional equity. This study critically examines the management and challenges of free meal programs in four major countries: India, the USA, Japan, and South Korea. Through a comparative analysis, this article evaluates the governance structures of the programs. The study identifies a range of challenges faced by each country, including logistical complexities, socio-cultural barriers, and economic