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. As a pregnant mother with a four-year-old child, Vincencia shared how the program has made a difference for her and her child. Instead of having whatever was available for breakfast, her child now eagerly finishes every meal provided by the program. 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 that the program has helped improve their family’s eating habits, making it easier to manage food distribution throughout the day.
Being nine months pregnant, Vincencia is one of the many pregnant and breastfeeding mothers benefiting from the MBG nutrition service kitchens in her village. She appreciates the government’s initiative to provide free and nutritious food for rural mothers and children, stressing the positive impact on ensuring kids get meals with enough protein and variety. Vincencia expressed her hope for the program to continue long-term, recognizing its significance for the health improvement of the community.
Operated by the Tambolaka Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), the MBG program in Southwest Sumba focuses on providing meals to schools and health posts, with a specific target on pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. By using locally sourced ingredients and prioritizing balanced nutrition, the program aims to address health issues and reduce stunting rates in the region. Vincencia’s story is just one of many examples showing how the MBG program is positively impacting the lives of numerous families in South West Sumba.
