BGN: Nutrition literacy in free meals programme shapes healthy, intelligent generation
The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has stated that nutrition literacy within the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Programme can shape a healthy, intelligent, and character-driven generation through educational means that build healthy living habits from an early age.
“This MBG is not merely about providing food, but about providing nutrition. Adequate nutrition will support the development of our children, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, and our schoolchildren. So, this nutrition is important, not just about being full,” said BGN Head Sudaryono in a confirmed statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
Sudaryono, familiarly known as Mas Dar, stressed that the goal of MBG is not simply to make students feel full, because the food provided must be understood as nutritious food that benefits growth and development. “It is not just about being full. Nutritious eating is not just eating a lot, not free filling food, not free large portions, not free tasty food, but free nutritious food,” he said.
Therefore, according to Mas Dar, nutrition education is a vital part of the MBG implementation. Students need to understand various nutritional elements, such as protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates, including their benefits for the body. In this process, teachers have a strategic role because the knowledge imparted to students is expected to be passed on to the family environment. Sudaryono believes that the nutrition education children receive can influence the understanding of those around them.
“It is important for the children we educate to understand this and then use their understanding to influence their environment, particularly the family environment where they live with their parents,” said Mas Dar.
In line with this, BGN Deputy for Promotion and Cooperation Mariman Darto explained that the success of MBG is not solely determined by the availability of nutritious food. “The success of the MBG programme is determined not only by the availability of nutritious food, but also by the availability and understanding of balanced nutrition, food safety, hygiene, discipline, and of course healthy living habits within educational units,” said Mariman.
Through the role of teachers as companions and drivers of education in the school and family environment, BGN hopes the benefits of MBG can go beyond meeting nutritional needs and help support the formation of a quality Indonesian generation.