MBG Continuation Program in PAUD: Healthy Children, Bright Futures!

Tangerang, July 21, 2025 – The Tangerang City Government, through the Department of Education in collaboration with the Health Office, has officially launched the continuation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) specifically for children enrolled in PAUD (Early Childhood Education). This follow-up program comes after the success of the first phase, which has been running since the beginning of the year and has proven to improve both children’s nutritional intake and their enthusiasm for learning.

🌱 Focusing on Early Childhood

A total of 120 PAUD centers in Tangerang City have been included in the beneficiary list. Each child will receive a nutritious lunch package consisting of:

• Rice, animal-based protein (chicken or fish), green vegetables, fresh fruit, and milk,

• All meals are adjusted to meet the nutritional standards of the Ministry of Health.

Head of the Tangerang City Education Department, Dr. Siti Marwiyah, stated during a press conference:

“This MBG program is not just about providing meals, but also educating children and parents about the importance of nutrition from an early age. We want PAUD students to grow healthy, active, and smart.”

📌 When and How It’s Implemented

• The continuation program begins in August 2025 and will run on every school day.

• Meal menus are supervised by nutrition officers from local health centers (puskesmas).

• Each PAUD center is required to submit a weekly report on children’s meal consumption for evaluation.

📈 Positive Impact

Data from the Health Office shows that after six months of the initial MBG program:

• Children with good nutritional status increased from 72% to 89%.

• There was a noticeable decrease in cases of anemia and underweight among PAUD children in the city.

A teacher at Darul Mutmainah PAUD, Ms. Mutmainah, shared her experience:

“Since the MBG program started, the children are more excited to come to school. They know there’s a delicious and healthy meal every day, and we teachers also find it easier to engage them in learning after meals.”

🎯 Hopes and Call to Action

The continuation of the MBG program in Tangerang’s PAUD centers is expected to serve as a model for other regions in supporting the national movement to prevent stunting. Parents are encouraged to continue these healthy eating habits at home.