BGN: Students Receive MBG Fresh Food for 5 Days, 3T Regions Get Dry Food

Jakarta - Deputy Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) for Public Communication and Investigation, Nanik Sudaryati Deyang, stated that the distribution of Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) is regulated based on the type and shelf life of the food. MBG for schoolchildren continues as usual, with a five-day distribution scheme to maintain the quality and freshness of the food ingredients used. “Fresh food (ready-to-eat fresh meals) is distributed only for five days to schoolchildren,” Nanik said in her statement on Tuesday (31/3/2026). “For 3B, the distribution mechanism is as usual until Saturday,” she added. Meanwhile, for 3T regions (disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost), the government applies a different approach. In those areas, distribution focuses on dry food ingredients that do not require complex processing. “For 3T regions, dry food is provided, not processed food. Examples include milk, fruit, bread, and other food ingredients that are easier to store and distribute,” she said. “It is hoped that all beneficiaries still receive adequate nutrition despite being in areas with logistical challenges,” she added. BGN emphasises that all distribution schemes still refer to national nutrition standards and food safety principles, to ensure the MBG programme runs effectively and on target. On 25 March, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa revealed plans to efficiency the MBG by reducing the number of operational days, which would save Rp 40 trillion per year. “Whatever the form of work pattern adjustments, MBG services must continue. Distribution to beneficiaries, including students and 3B, must remain on schedule,” said Dadan in his statement on Tuesday. BGN assures that MBG distribution will continue to follow the number of school days. For example, schools that operate five days a week will receive MBG for five days, according to the number of school days. “The same applies to 3B beneficiaries (pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers); it must continue as usual,” he said.