The majority of meal programs in the world are not universal schemes. England, for example, feeds all children in the first three years of school but only about 20% after that. Even very poor countries can usually find people who are able to cook and serve meals. But there have also been underwhelming findings around the world from universal meal schemes.
In Brazil, fears are growing that if Jair Bolsonaro loses in October, as polls suggest is likely, he may try to stage a coup or foment violence. He’s been sowing distrust in the country’s electoral system, and many of his supporters are well-armed. Should school lunches be free? And why the gap between the number of boys and girls born in India is narrowing.
For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer