Vincencia Toma, a resident of Radamata Village in Kota Tambulaka District, South West Sumba, has seen a significant improvement 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 positively impacted her and her child’s nutritional intake. Previously, they would eat whatever they could find for breakfast, but since participating in the MBG program, Vincencia’s child now eagerly finishes every meal provided. Vincencia, who has been benefiting from the free meals for the past nine days, mentioned how delicious and nutritious the meals were for her child. She also pointed out how the program has helped enhance her family’s eating habits and made it easier to manage food distribution throughout the day.
Nine months pregnant, Vincencia is one of the many pregnant and breastfeeding mothers benefiting from the MBG nutrition service kitchens in her village. She commended the government for offering free and nutritious food for rural mothers and children, stressing the positive impact it has had in ensuring children receive meals rich in protein and variety. Vincencia expressed her desire for the program to continue long-term, recognizing its significance in improving community health.
Operated by the Tambolaka Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), the MBG program in Southwest Sumba aims to provide meals to schools and health posts, with a specific focus on pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and toddlers. By using locally sourced ingredients and promoting a well-balanced diet, the program aims to address health issues and reduce stunting rates in the region. Vincencia’s story serves as a testament to how the MBG program is positively impacting the lives of many families in South West Sumba.
