Vincencia Toma, a resident of Radamata Village in Kota Tambulaka District, South West Sumba, has seen a positive change in her daily life thanks to the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. Being a pregnant mother with a four-year-old child, Vincencia shared how the program has been beneficial for her and her child. Previously, their breakfast consisted of whatever they could find, but since the MBG program started, her child now enjoys and finishes every meal provided. Vincencia, who has been receiving free meals for the past nine days, emphasized the delicious taste and nutritional value of the meals for her child. She also mentioned how the program has helped improve their family’s eating habits, making it easier to manage food distribution throughout the day.
As a nine-month pregnant woman, Vincencia is one of the many pregnant and breastfeeding mothers benefitting from the MBG nutrition service kitchens in her village. She is grateful for the government’s initiative to provide free and nutritious food for rural mothers and children, acknowledging the positive impact it has had in ensuring children receive meals with adequate protein and variety. Vincencia expressed her desire for the program to continue long-term, recognizing its significance in improving community health.
The MBG program in Southwest Sumba, managed by the Tambolaka Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), aims to provide meals to schools and health posts, specifically targeting pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. By using locally sourced ingredients and focusing on well-balanced nutrition, the program aims to address health issues and reduce stunting rates in the region. Vincencia’s experience serves as a testament to how the MBG program is making a meaningful impact on the lives of many families in South West Sumba.
