Kudus MBG Task Force: Primary School Pupils Prefer Buffet-Style Meals

Kudus (ANTARA) – Most primary school pupils in Kudus Regency, Central Java, who took part in a trial preferred the buffet-style format of the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. They said the food was served fresher and they could take as much as they needed.

“Buffet service is certainly quicker, and the food is still warm, compared with the previous method, in which meals were packed before being sent to schools,” Kudus Regency MBG Task Force head Bellinda Sabrina Putri Birton said in Kudus on Thursday.

She said that packing meals takes additional time, meaning the food may be cooler by the time pupils eat it.

The buffet format could also reduce food waste because pupils can take only what they need, including choosing the side dishes they like.

“If they do not like a particular food or are allergic to an ingredient, pupils do not have to take it and can choose something else that is available,” she said.

Bellinda said the buffet method could make meal service more efficient, as food can be eaten as soon as it is served. This would help keep it fresh and reduce the amount thrown away.

The trial was a central government initiative and was held at two state primary schools in Kudus Regency, one in Kaliwungu District and the other in Mejobo District. It ran for two weeks and involved Year 5 and Year 6 pupils.

Monitoring showed that the buffet-style MBG service at both schools went well. Pupils and teachers responded positively to the serving method.

“However, further adjustment and outreach are still needed. In practice, representatives from the MBG kitchens need to come to the schools and help the children as they take their food,” she said.

School staff, meanwhile, served pupils as they collected their meals.

Bellinda said the buffet method for younger pupils also required further consideration, particularly for those in Years 1 and 2, who need more intensive assistance.

“The use of buffet-style MBG needs to be reviewed further, or discussed with the central government, particularly for pupils in Years 1 and 2. It may be better suited to pupils from Year 5 through to secondary school, while those in Years 1 to 4 continue using the ‘tepak’ meal-box method,” she said.

Any decision to expand the buffet method is still awaiting guidance from the central government.

“If a decision is eventually made to introduce the buffet method, God willing, Kudus Regency will be ready to implement it,” she said.