Vincencia Toma, a resident of Radamata Village in Kota Tambulaka District, South West Sumba, has shared her positive experience with the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. As a pregnant mother with a four-year-old child, Vincencia expressed how the program has brought significant changes to her daily life. Previously, they would have whatever they could find for breakfast, but since the start of the MBG program, her child now eagerly finishes every meal provided. Vincencia, who has been benefiting from the free meals for nine days, emphasized the delicious taste and nutritional value of the meals for her child. She also mentioned how the program has helped improve their family’s eating habits, making it easier to manage food distribution throughout the day.
At nine months pregnant, Vincencia is just one of many pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who directly benefit from the MBG nutrition service kitchens in her village. She expressed her appreciation for the government’s initiative to provide free and nutritious food for rural mothers and children, highlighting the positive impact on ensuring children receive meals with adequate protein and variety. Vincencia also expressed her hope for the continuation of the program in the long term, believing in its significance for community health improvement.
Managed by the Tambolaka Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), the MBG program in Southwest Sumba focuses on providing meals to schools and health posts, targeting pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. Through the use of locally sourced ingredients and a focus on well-balanced nutrition, the program aims to address health issues and reduce stunting rates in the region. Vincencia’s story serves as a testament to how the MBG program is positively impacting the lives of many families in South West Sumba.
