Sudaryono to Add Nutritional Education to Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The Head of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), Sudaryono, has stated that the agency will add nutritional education materials to the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme so that students not only receive nutritious food but also understand the importance of healthy eating patterns from an early age. The statement was made by Sudaryono while inspecting the implementation of the MBG Programme at SDN Bantarjati 09, Bogor City, West Java, on Friday. According to Sudaryono, the BGN will prepare additional modules to be delivered through the Nutrition Service Fulfilment Units (SPPG) in schools to strengthen the formation of healthy living habits in children. “Besides being taught etiquette such as washing hands and praying before eating, we will later explain the nutritional content, why eating vegetables is important. We will also convey that to the children,” he said. “If our children enjoy vegetables, then they will continue to enjoy vegetables. So this is not about free tasty food, not about free preferred food, but free nutritious food that is made to be tasty and with portions that are appropriate,” he stated. Sudaryono added that the BGN continues to evaluate the implementation of the MBG through direct inspections of the food provider kitchens. Evaluations are carried out on menu quality, presentation, and the level of student acceptance of the food provided. Currently, he said, around 27,000 MBG kitchens are operating in various regions in Indonesia and the majority have been running the programme according to standards. The BGN will continue to provide guidance to service providers and strengthen coordination with local governments, health agencies, and education agencies. Meanwhile, the Head of SDN Bantarjati 09 Bogor City, Sugiartini, said the MBG programme has changed the eating habits of students at her school. “The children are very enthusiastic. Those who previously did not have breakfast now do, and those who previously disliked vegetables now like them. Alhamdulillah, almost every child eats the MBG meal and almost all of them finish it,” she said. According to Sugiartini, the most popular menu items among students include chicken, eggs, burgers, and fruit, resulting in a positive response from the students to the programme.