Free School Meal Program: Not Every Child is a Fan, Say Testimonials
The free school meal program (Program Makan Bergizi Gratis – PMBG) has begun at schools across the country, aiming to provide students with nutritious food. However, not all children are enthused about the meals being served, according to testimonials circulating on social media.
Some children reportedly refuse to finish their meals, while others pick out the vegetables. Dr. dr. Tan Shot Yen, M.Hum, a dietitian, shared that various factors can contribute to a child becoming fussy about food, including habits learned at home and health conditions.
Dr. Tan acknowledged that it’s challenging for the PMBG to cater to the diverse tastes of all children. She advised responsible parties to address this issue creatively. "There are many instances of children not eating their vegetables, leaving them behind," Dr. Tan said during a press briefing by the Indonesian Medical Association (Ikatan Dokter Indonesia – IDI) on Wednesday (8/1/2025). "We need initiatives, but not by turning the vegetables into snacks to entice kids."
She suggested that dietitians involved in the program should explore various vegetable combinations to make them more appealing to children. Dr. Tan also emphasized the importance of post-program evaluation and dialogue with children who leave their food uneaten. "We should engage them in conversation to understand the real problem," she added.
Health issues can also lead to picky eating. Dr. Tan cited dental problems like tooth decay, which is prevalent among children. She explained that poor dental health can negatively impact a child’s eating habits and overall health. "We need to address this comprehensively; the solution can’t just be adjusting the food to children’s liking, or we’ll end up with meals full of deep-fried snacks," she warned.
