Vincencia Toma, a resident of Radamata Village in Kota Tambulaka District, South West Sumba, shares her positive experience with the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. As a pregnant mother with a four-year-old child, she highlights the significant impact of the program on their daily lives. She mentions how they previously struggled to find breakfast options, but since participating in the MBG program, her child now enjoys and finishes every meal provided. Vincencia, a recipient of the free meals for nine days, praises the delicious taste and nutritional value of the meals for her child. She also acknowledges the program’s role in improving her family’s eating habits and facilitating food distribution throughout the day.
Being in her ninth month of pregnancy, Vincencia is just one of many pregnant and breastfeeding mothers benefiting from the MBG nutrition service kitchens in her village. She expresses gratitude for the government’s initiative to supply free and nutritious food to rural mothers and children, emphasizing the positive outcomes in ensuring adequate protein and variety in kids’ meals. Vincencia hopes for the long-term continuation of the program, recognizing its significance in enhancing community health.
Administered by the Tambolaka Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), the MBG program in Southwest Sumba focuses on providing meals to schools and health posts, specifically targeting pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. By utilizing locally sourced ingredients and emphasizing balanced nutrition, the program aims to tackle health issues and reduce stunting rates in the region. Vincencia’s story exemplifies the impactful difference the MBG program is making in the lives of families in South West Sumba.