BGN cuts 8 million MBG recipients, wealthy high schoolers at risk
The move could lower the program’s funding needs while shifting nutrition interventions toward pregnant women, toddlers and young children.
The National Nutrition Agency is reorganizing the target group for the Free Nutritious Meals Program by cutting about 8 million beneficiaries, including the possible removal of high school students from well-off families. BGN Deputy Head Agustina Arumsari said priority will shift to the groups most in need of nutrition intervention: pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers and early childhood children. She said discussions with the Health Ministry showed the most effective intervention begins during pregnancy and continues through the first 1,000 days of life. The overhaul is also aimed at making the program more targeted and reducing budget needs. After refocusing beneficiaries, BGN plans to reorganize SPPG kitchens, audit all kitchens during the school holiday period and improve governance and human resources.