Cilegon Government Launches Pilot Program for Free Nutritious Meals in Schools
Cilegon, Indonesia - In a move to promote better nutrition among students, the Cilegon City Government has initiated a pilot program that will provide free nutritious meals to 10,531 students across 23 schools, spanning elementary to high school levels. The program, set to run from August 12-16, 2024, is aimed at improving student health and will be closely monitored by President Joko Widodo and President-elect Prabowo Subianto.
Pilot Program Overview
According to Heni Anita Susila, Head of the Cilegon City Education and Culture Department, the initiative will see each of the 23 schools participating in the program for one day. "This program is a significant step toward ensuring our students receive the nutrition they need to excel in their studies," Heni stated on Monday.
The meals provided will be prepared by ten local catering businesses, all of which have been approved by the Cilegon Health Office. These meals will include milk and carefully selected menus designed to meet the nutritional needs of students.
Community Involvement and Support
The program's implementation is a collaborative effort, funded by seven major companies in Cilegon through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. These companies include:
- PT Chandra Asri Pacific
- PT Krakatau Sarana Properti
- PT Krakatau Posco
- PT Asahimas Chemical
- PT Sankyu
- PT Indonesia Power 1-7
- PT Lotte Chemical
Program Execution and Preparation
A rehearsal, or gladi bersih, was conducted to ensure the program runs smoothly. This rehearsal involved all aspects of the meal distribution process, from student data collection to the selection of caterers, meal packaging, and delivery logistics. "This rehearsal is crucial for identifying any potential issues and making necessary adjustments so that the program can be executed flawlessly," Heni emphasized.
The pilot program not only aims to improve student health but also serves as a potential model for future national initiatives to promote student well-being through nutrition.
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