Free Nutritious Meals Program: A Key Strategy for Stunting Prevention in Indonesia
- Jakarta - The Free Nutritious Meals program aims to improve the use of local foods, according to Nunung Nuryantono, acting deputy III at the Coordinating Ministry for Human...
- Many regions are successfully using local foods in their free meals programs.
- Nuryantono emphasized the link between the free meals program and reducing stunting.
Free Nutritious Meals Program in Indonesia
Jakarta – The Free Nutritious Meals program aims to improve the use of local foods, according to Nunung Nuryantono, acting deputy III at the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture. He spoke at the Forum Merdeka Barat 9 online event.
Many regions are successfully using local foods in their free meals programs. Additionally, household waste can be converted into fertilizers and animal feed through community efforts.
Nuryantono emphasized the link between the free meals program and reducing stunting. To succeed, it is crucial to gather data on target groups quickly. Collaborating ministries and agencies must identify stunting cases in different areas for faster action.
Regional governments play a vital role, especially in mobilizing integrated health posts (posyandus). These posts monitor the health of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five.
The free meals program targets not only students but also pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children.
The government is developing a National Strategy for Stunting Prevention and Reduction. This strategy will differ from the previous one by focusing on preventing stunting. The Free Nutritious Meals program supports these prevention efforts.
A new regulation will revise Presidential Regulation Number 72 of 2021 on Stunting Reduction Acceleration. The new national strategy is expected to be completed this month, while the revised regulation aims for early January 2025.