The National Nutrition Agency (BGN) is taking steps to recruit workers from low-income communities for the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPG) in order to drive local employment opportunities. According to Redy Hendra Gunawan, Special Staff to the National Nutrition Agency, the goal is to have at least 30% of the workforce in each SPPG come from underprivileged households. This initiative aligns with the President’s directive to use the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program as a means to create job opportunities. By incorporating individuals from the lowest economic deciles, BGN aims to provide support to families in need and boost job absorption rates.
To date, a total of 2,378 SPPG units have been established in collaboration with 6,076 local economic institutions such as cooperatives, village-owned enterprises (BUMDes/BUMDesma), and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Additionally, 93,572 local community members are actively participating as volunteers in the SPPG program, which has already benefited 7,444,238 individuals nationwide. The beneficiaries include various categories such as students from Early Childhood Education up to Senior High School, Islamic boarding school students, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, toddlers, and People’s School students.
Looking ahead, BGN plans to launch an additional 2,401 SPPG units in the next 10 days to reach a total of 4,788 operational units. This expansion aims to further extend the program’s reach and serve approximately 15 million beneficiaries across the country. The efforts to involve low-income communities in the MBG Program underscore BGN’s commitment to not only address nutrition needs but also create meaningful employment opportunities for those in need.
