Purwokerto \u2014 A nutrition expert from Universitas Jenderal Soedirman\n(Unsoed) in Purwokerto, Prof Hery Winarsi, has recommended the\npreparation of ideal menus for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme\nduring Ramadhan to ensure that schoolchildren\u2019s energy and nutritional\nrequirements are met.<\/p>\n
\u201cPublic complaints regarding menus considered too simplistic or\ncontaining only light foods such as bread and dates must be addressed by\npreparing higher-quality menus. The MBG programme aims at nutritional\nimprovement, not merely providing light refreshments,\u201d said the\nProfessor and Head of the Nutrition Science Programme at Unsoed\u2019s\nFaculty of Health Sciences, speaking in Purwokerto, Banyumas Regency,\nCentral Java, on Monday afternoon.<\/p>\n
According to him, the MBG menu during the fasting month must be\nadjusted to reflect changes in children\u2019s eating patterns whilst\nmaintaining balanced nutrition principles. The programme should not be\nperceived merely as a provider of light refreshments, but as part of\nefforts to improve nutritional status.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe energy contribution from MBG should ideally represent\napproximately 30-35 per cent of a child\u2019s daily requirements. Therefore,\nthe composition of calories and protein must still be calculated,\u201d he\nexplained.<\/p>\n
Secondary school students aged 13-15 years require 2,000-2,400\nkilocalories per day, so the recommended MBG contribution should range\nfrom 600-800 kilocalories with a minimum protein content of 20-25\ngrammes per portion.<\/p>\n
\u201cUse complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, sweet potato, or\npotato to keep children feeling full for longer,\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n
Additionally, animal-based protein sources such as chicken, eggs,\nfish, or meat are essential to maintain muscle mass during fasting. He\nalso recommended supplementary plant-based proteins such as tempeh and\ntofu, along with vegetables and fruits as sources of fibre, vitamins,\nand minerals. Healthy fats can complement the meal to increase energy\nintake.<\/p>\n
\u201cIdeally, there should be one animal protein, one plant-based\nprotein, one vegetable, and one fruit in each portion. This already\nreflects balanced nutrition,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n
Regarding distribution, he recommended that food be served close to\nthe time of breaking the fast to keep it fresh. However, if food must be\ndistributed in the morning, the menu should be selected based on items\nthat can be stored for 6-8 hours with hygienic packaging to maintain\nfood quality and safety.<\/p>\n
He provided examples of MBG menu variations during Ramadhan for a\nfive-day school week. For the first day, he suggested white rice with\nyellow-spiced grilled chicken as an animal protein source, stir-fried\nbeans and carrots, and grilled tempeh, complemented with two dates and\n200 millilitres of plain UHT milk without added sugar. This package is\nestimated to provide approximately 640-750 kilocalories with about 25\ngrammes of protein.<\/p>\n
For the second day, the menu could be replaced with brown rice,\nboiled eggs, tofu fritters, stir-fried green vegetables, a medium-sized\nbanana, and mineral water, providing approximately 600-700 kilocalories\nwith 20-22 grammes of protein.<\/p>\n
For the third day, approximately 200 grammes of steamed sweet potato\nas a complex carbohydrate source could be combined with shredded beef\nrendang, cucumber and tomato salad, boiled peanuts, and fortified soy\nmilk, meeting energy requirements of approximately 650 kilocalories with\n22 grammes of protein.<\/p>\n
The fourth day\u2019s menu could consist of white rice, shredded skipjack\ntuna, stir-fried tempeh, clear spinach soup, and an apple, providing\napproximately 650\u2013700 kilocalories with about 23 grammes of protein\noverall.<\/p>\n
For the fifth day, the recommended menu is white rice, beef or\nchicken stew, braised tofu, mixed vegetable stir-fry, and plain UHT\nmilk, with a total estimated content of 700\u2013800 kilocalories and\napproximately 25 grammes of protein.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn alternative, if a dry menu must be used, would be wholemeal bread\nfilled with tuna, boiled eggs, roasted peanuts, and an apple,\u201d he\nsuggested.<\/p>\n
He also encouraged the inclusion of nutritional composition\ninformation on packaging so that parents understand the nutritional\nvalue being provided, thereby increasing programme transparency.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe focus remains on meeting children\u2019s energy and nutritional\nrequirements during Ramadhan. With proper planning, complaints can be\nminimised and the programme\u2019s objectives can still be achieved,\u201d Prof\nHery Winarsi concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/nutrition-expert-from-unsoed-recommends-ideal-menu-for-free-nutritious-meal-programme-during-ramadhan-1772450304", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }