Free Nutritious Meals Programme Suspended During Eid Holiday 18-24 March, Replaced with Bundling Packages

The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has established a special mechanism for the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme during the Eid al-Fitr holiday and collective leave period of 1447 Hijriah. MBG will be distributed in the form of three bundling packages.

The mechanism is set out in Circular Letter (SE) Number 3 of 2026. BGN Head Dadan Hindayana said that MBG will not be distributed during 18-24 March. As a substitute, distribution will be carried out earlier in the form of bundling packages.

“Distribution will take place on the last distribution day beforehand, namely Tuesday, 17 March 2026, comprising one healthy packaged meal plus three bundling packages of healthy meals for the MBG allocation covering Wednesday, 18 March 2026 through Friday, 20 March 2026,” Dadan said in a statement on Saturday (14/2/2026).

He explained that bundling packages are a consolidation of MBG healthy packaged meals for several days’ consumption, handed over at once. Nevertheless, BGN stressed that the maximum shelf life of the food received is limited to three days.

“Distribution service points (SPPG) are required to provide brief education on storage methods and staggered consumption of the bundling packages over a maximum of three days, as well as to emphasise that the packages are exclusively for designated MBG beneficiaries,” Dadan said.

Previously, BGN confirmed that the national nutrition fulfilment programme would continue to operate during Ramadan, Eid holidays and collective leave, as well as Chinese New Year.

For vulnerable groups — namely pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers aged 6-59 months — MBG services will continue in full throughout the period.

Meanwhile, in areas where the majority of beneficiaries do not observe the fasting ritual, MBG distribution will follow the normal schedule as on regular days with ready-to-eat menus.

During the collective leave and Chinese New Year holiday period of 16-17 February 2026, MBG distribution was not carried out. Similarly, at the start of Ramadan from 18 to 22 February, the nutritious meal provision was also temporarily halted. MBG distribution was set to resume on 23 February 2026.