The National Nutrition Agency has barred ultra-processed food (UPF) from the free nutritious meal (MBG) program. This decision, outlined in Circular Letter No. 3 of 2026, applies to the Ramadan, Eid, and Chinese New Year’s MBG implementation.
New Guidelines for Nutritious Meals
During Ramadan, beneficiaries of the MBG program will receive healthy food packages specifically excluding products classified as UPF. UPF is defined as food created through extensive industrial processes, often including additives like preservatives, colorants, and flavorings, designed to be ready-to-eat and long-lasting.
Recommended packaged food options include salted eggs, shredded meat floss, beef jerky, fruits, and local specialty foods, with dates listed as optional. Head of BGN, Dadan Hindayana, stated that these options must adhere to food safety, quality, and nutritional standards appropriate for the age of the recipient.
Distribution and Safety Measures
MBG kitchens have been instructed to avoid serving food that spoils quickly, is overly spicy, or poses a food safety risk. To streamline the distribution process, beneficiaries will receive two tote bags of different colors – for example, blue and red – to differentiate between bags used for previous and subsequent meal exchanges.
Meal distribution will be adjusted around the Eid al-Fitr holiday and a joint leave period from March 18 to 24, 2026. During this time, beneficiaries – including both students and non-students – will receive bundled packages containing several days’ worth of meals at once, with a maximum limit of three days’ worth of food per distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ultra-processed food?
UPF is food made through a series of industrial processes using additives such as preservatives, colorants, and flavorings, designed to be ready-to-eat and long-lasting.
When will the MBG program be interrupted?
The free nutritious meals will not be distributed during the Eid al-Fitr holiday and the joint leave from March 18 to 24, 2026.
How will beneficiaries identify their meal bags?
Each beneficiary will receive two tote bags with different colors to facilitate identification and exchange processes.
How might these changes to the MBG program affect the types of meals distributed and the logistics of getting food to those who need it?
