Gorontalo Deputy Governor Requests MBG Kitchen to Prepare 30 Menu Variations

Gorontalo - The Deputy Governor of Gorontalo, Idah Syahidah Rusli Habibie, has requested that nutrition experts in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme prepare at least 30 menu variations. “Menu variations are very important so that students do not get bored and remain enthusiastic about the food served every day at school,” said Idah in Gorontalo on Thursday. She made the statement during a surprise inspection (sidak) at the Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG) Huangobutu Kabila Bone in Bone Bolango Regency. The inspection was conducted with a team from the Gorontalo Provincial Health Office to evaluate the quality of MBG services, from food menus to supporting facilities. As the head of the MBG Task Force, she also called for innovations in food processing and presentation, from cooking methods to menu displays. According to her, attractive presentation can increase children’s interest in consuming nutritious food, especially vegetables. “The method of presentation, processing, and even slicing the food must be appealing. For example, if carrots are cut into beautiful shapes, children will definitely be more interested in eating them,” she said. She also encouraged the utilisation of local food ingredients, such as freshwater fish from community aquaculture. Idah and the team also inspected the Wastewater Treatment Installation (IPAL) and the process of washing ompreng or food containers at SPPG Huangobutu. From the review, the IPAL at the site was deemed to meet standards. Meanwhile, the ompreng washing process uses continuously flowing water, both during soaping and rinsing, to ensure the cleanliness of the food containers is maintained. “The IPAL is already good, and the washing process is also good. We just need to ensure the water keeps flowing during washing and rinsing for maximum cleanliness,” she said. The SPPG Huangobutu Kabila Bone operates under the Naluri Nusantara Gemilang Foundation, managing around 2,169 MBG portions daily.