On July 30, 2025, in Serdang Bedagai, emotions were overflowing as Aslina shared her remarkable transformation story. Working at the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in Cempedak Lobang, Sei Rampah, just a stone’s throw away from her home, she expressed deep gratitude for the life-changing program. Standing alongside esteemed regional leaders like Hasan Nasbi and North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution, Aslina tearfully thanked the President for the positive impact the program has had on her daily life.
Prior to joining the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, Aslina was a full-time homemaker with no income, while her husband worked as a laborer with limited earnings. Presently, she plays a vital role in preparing healthy meals for school children in her community, bringing newfound hope into her life. Another participant, Normawati, emphasized how the opportunity to earn additional income near her home has been invaluable in supporting her family, particularly her school-going children who benefit from the MBG program’s nutritious meals.
The ripple effect of the program goes beyond housewives; this is evident in the story of 21-year-old Shinta Ramadana. Previously unemployed, she now enthusiastically works in food preparation, embodying the empowerment spirit fostered by the MBG Program. These inspiring women are just a few examples among the many individuals nationwide who have secured employment and revitalized hope through this initiative, as per data from the National Nutrition Agency.
More than just providing nutritious meals, the MBG Program represents empowerment and transformation. It has transformed kitchens into beacons of hope, where individuals like Aslina, Norma, and Shinta have discovered opportunities for meaningful work and personal development.
