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| Dr. dr. Gita Sekar Prihanti, M.Pd.Ked., lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) (Photo : Special) |
The government's free and nutritionally balanced lunch program is often highlighted as an effort to reduce stunting in Indonesia. However, the effectiveness of this program depends on various factors, ranging from its implementation to nutrition education at the family level. According to Dr. dr. Gita Sekar Prihanti, M.Pd.Ked., a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), it is important to consider both the macro and micronutrient content of the food provided.
“There are macro and micronutrients in nutrition. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, protein, and fat, while micronutrients include vitamins and minerals. What needs to be considered is the proportion of protein, as most Indonesians prioritize carbohydrates for satiety. Therefore, it is important to increase the portion of protein and ensure that micronutrients are included in the food distributed,” she said.
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She also emphasized that nutritious food programs alone are not enough to have a significant impact without proper implementation. In addition, family health education is an important component that cannot be ignored. According to Gita, while beneficial, reliance on free meal programs does not provide a long-term solution.
“For children, their health is highly dependent on health education within the family. The nutritious free meal program is important, but it cannot be the only solution. Families need to be empowered to understand the importance of providing affordable, healthy food. Many families still choose inexpensive carbohydrates for the sake of satiety, without considering their nutritional value,” she explained.
Another challenge highlighted was the need for calorie counting that is appropriate for a child's condition. She explained that each child has different calorie needs based on weight and age. If these needs are not met appropriately, it can have adverse effects, such as obesity or malnutrition. Proper nutrition intake is crucial, especially during the golden period of the first 1,000 days of life. However, nutritional issues persist into the school-age years, when children often become picky about their food.
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“However, not only is the quality of nutrition a concern, but also food hygiene. If food hygiene is not considered, it can cause new problems, such as diarrhea, which can even worsen stunting,” she said.
With a combination of effective free meal programs, nutrition education, and supervision of field implementation, efforts to reduce stunting are expected to yield better results. However, the cooperation of all parties remains key to the success of this program. “Eat with mindful eating, meaning we are aware of what we eat, when we eat, and how we eat. Teach children to be selective about food, because what they like is not necessarily healthy. This is a challenge, but changing the mindset is very important for their future,” she concluded. (vin/wil/mrh)
