National Nutrition Agency Adds 18 SPPG Kitchens in Pangkalpinang to Expand Free Nutritious Meal Services

The construction of 18 SPPG (Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit) kitchens in Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands Province, has currently reached 80 to 85 per cent completion. The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is adding these units to accelerate the equitable distribution of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in the region.

Rori Nahla Oktavian, the SPPG Regional Coordinator for Pangkalpinang, stated on Monday that the expansion is intended to enhance services for programme beneficiaries, including students, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers throughout Pangkalpinang.

Currently, 20 SPPG kitchens are already operational. Each unit employs approximately 50 people, consisting of 47 volunteers, alongside a head of unit, a nutritionist, and an accountant.

Furthermore, the MBG programme is expected to reduce unemployment rates and support local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and suppliers providing for the SPPG requirements. “With the addition of these SPPG kitchens, there will certainly be increased labour absorption and a boost to the local community’s economy,” added Rori Nahla Oktavian.