Free Nutritious Meals Starting January 2025, Initial Target Of 3 Million Children

Free Nutritious Meals Starting January 2025, Initial Target Of 3 Million Children

Wednesday, 27 Nov 2024

A free nutritious meal program is set to commence in January 2025, with an initial target of reaching 3 million children within the first three months. "In January, we aim for 3 million children for the first three months, and we will increase that number subsequently," stated Dadan Hindayana, Head of the National Nutrition Agency, to reporters at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

Dadan indicated that the budget for the free nutritious meals is set at IDR 15,000 per child. However, this budget is flexible and may vary based on the cost of staple foods in different regions. "The calculation in the state budget is IDR 15,000 per child, but it will be flexible depending on the local prices; some areas may have lower costs, while others may have higher. Therefore, the allocation in the state budget is fixed per child, but its implementation will depend on the local execution. We are not purchasing meal packages; we are buying raw ingredients to be cooked," he explained.

Regarding the menu, Dadan clarified that the National Nutrition Agency does not dictate the specifics. The menu will be determined by nutrition experts at each service unit in the respective areas.

"The menu is not set by the National Nutrition Agency; rather, the agency establishes the national nutritional composition. The responsibility for the menu will lie with the nutritionists at each service unit. We will assign one nutritionist to each service unit," he added.

Dadan stated that his organization will employ local residents for cooking tasks. He remains open to collaboration with catering businesses willing to partner, provided that oversight is maintained by the Nutrition Agency to ensure the quality of the meals.

"The system we are implementing involves establishing service units that are entirely managed by the Nutrition Agency, with local community members handling the cooking," he explained.

"If there are catering services that are willing and prepared to collaborate with the National Nutrition Agency, we will utilize those services, but we will assign personnel from the Nutrition Agency to ensure comprehensive operational control and quality assurance," he added. (srirahayu@insightinnews.com)

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