The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program has been proven to have a positive impact on children’s concentration levels, leading to increased motivation for learning. Research conducted in Aceh and by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has shown that students who receive Free Nutritious Meals demonstrate improved concentration, especially in areas like Bogor, Papua, and Medan. This improvement in focus and cognitive performance is crucial for educational outcomes and attendance motivation in schools.
Ikeu Tanziha, an Expert Council Member of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), emphasized the importance of concentration in brain development during a child’s formative years. Factors such as learning motivation, nutritional intake, psychological well-being, and environmental conditions play a significant role in a child’s ability to concentrate. Nutrients like protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain development and memory processing capacity.
The MBG Program aims to address children’s nutritional needs for physical and cognitive development, but challenges remain, including unhealthy consumption behavior and limited access to nutritious foods in some regions. Despite these challenges, Ikeu highlighted the importance of collective support for the successful implementation of the program to ensure lasting benefits for future generations and society as a whole.
