"We discussed several issues, particularly the 19 health SOPs, menu development, MBG distribution for toddlers, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and the formation of a working group to prepare MBG raw ingredients," said the team's chairperson, Nanik S. Deyang, in a statement on Saturday.
She highlighted that food supply for the MBG program must be addressed collectively. With 14,299 kitchens — officially called Nutrition Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) — serving around 40 million beneficiaries, demand for ingredients has pushed up prices of chicken, eggs, and some fruits and vegetables.
Therefore, cross-sectoral collaboration is needed to ensure food availability, Deyang added.
"For example, the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) can assign its cadres to raise chickens or grow vegetables, bananas, and other fruits," she suggested.
By 2026, the MBG program aims to reach 83 million beneficiaries, including students, toddlers, and pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has also proposed expanding the MBG program to cover the elderly and people with disabilities, a plan approved by President Prabowo Subianto.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health reported that only 1,218 of 4,590 MBG kitchens applying for a Hygiene and Sanitation Certificate (SLHS) have received it.
The kitchens face challenges in meeting SLHS requirements, including lab tests that still detect E. coli in water and difficulties meeting physical standards for the Goods Release Approval Letter (SPPB).
To address these issues, the ministry is proposing 19 mandatory SOPs for all MBG kitchens.
The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture also reported that, under an agreement with the Ministry of Villages, 20 percent of village funds are allocated to resilience programs that train farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen to support MBG food production.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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