Vincencia Toma, a resident of Radamata Village in Kota Tambulaka District, South West Sumba, has experienced a positive change in her daily life thanks to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. As a pregnant mother with a four-year-old child, Vincencia expressed how the program has benefited her and her child. She mentioned how they used to have whatever they could find for breakfast, but since the MBG program started, her child now finishes every meal provided. Vincencia, who has been receiving free meals for the past nine days, highlighted the tastiness of the meals and their nutritional value for her child. She also noted how the program has helped improve her family’s eating habits, making it easier to manage food distribution throughout the day.
Being nine months pregnant, Vincencia is among the many pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who directly benefit from the MBG nutrition service kitchens in her village. She appreciates the government’s effort in providing free and nutritious food for rural mothers and children, emphasizing the positive impact it has had in ensuring kids receive meals with sufficient protein and variety. Vincencia expressed her hope for the program to continue long-term, believing in its importance for community health improvement.
Managed by the Tambolaka Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), the MBG program in Southwest Sumba aims to provide meals to schools and health posts, specifically targeting pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. By utilizing locally sourced ingredients and focusing on well-balanced nutrition, the program strives to address health issues and reduce stunting rates in the region. Vincencia’s experience is just one example of how the MBG program is making a meaningful difference in the lives of many families in South West Sumba.
