Odisha’s Department of School Education has incorporated local millet varieties like ragi, kodo, and foxtail into its midday meal program. Partnering with tribal women’s groups and local chefs, traditional recipes like ragi upma, kodo khichdi, and millet ladoos are now being served to over 3 million children. Nutritional monitoring shows improvements in hemoglobin levels and BMI among students. The program also boosts millet farming in tribal districts like Koraput and Rayagada. Parents have welcomed the taste and health benefits. The initiative preserves food heritage while addressing malnutrition, and has been recognized by the UN World Food Programme as a best practice.