In Serdang Bedagai, emotions reached a peak on July 30, 2025, as Aslina shared her inspiring transformation story. Working at the Nutritional Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG) in Cempedak Lobang, Sei Rampah, just a stone’s throw away from her residence, she expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the life-changing program. Standing alongside key regional figures such as Hasan Nasbi and North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution, Aslina tearfully conveyed her gratitude to the President for the program’s positive impact on her daily life.
Prior to her participation in the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, Aslina was a full-time homemaker with no source of income, while her husband worked as a laborer with limited earnings. However, now she plays a pivotal role in preparing nutritious meals for local school children, bringing a renewed sense of hope to her life. Normawati, another program beneficiary, also emphasized how the opportunity to earn extra income close to home has been crucial in supporting her family, particularly her school-attending children who benefit from the program’s nutritious meals.
The transformative effect of the program transcends beyond housewives, exemplified by the story of 21-year-old Shinta Ramadana. Initially unemployed, she now enthusiastically works in food preparation, embodying the empowerment ethos nurtured by the MBG Program. These women are just a few examples of the numerous individuals nationwide who have secured employment opportunities and rekindled hope through this initiative, as reported by the National Nutrition Agency.
More than just providing nutritious meals, the MBG Program represents empowerment and metamorphosis. It has transformed kitchens into spaces of hope, where individuals like Aslina, Norma, and Shinta have discovered avenues for meaningful employment and personal development.
