The Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) Program has been proven to have a significant impact on enhancing children’s concentration levels, as evidenced by short-term memory assessments. This improvement is believed to play a role in maintaining students’ motivation to learn effectively. Research conducted in Aceh has shown that students who receive Free Nutritious Meals exhibit increased concentration levels, which bodes well for better educational outcomes and a stronger drive for learning, stated Ikeu Tanziha, an Expert Council Member of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN). A study by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) also revealed similar findings, showing that the MBG program helps improve learning focus and cognitive performance among students in places like Bogor and Papua, particularly among those who did not have breakfast. An example from State Vocational School 6 (SMK Negeri 6) in Medan showed that the MBG program significantly increased attendance motivation and concentration in the classroom. Ikeu emphasized the close connection between concentration, attention, and the brain’s ability to process stimuli, all of which are key cognitive functions crucial for children’s brain development during their formative years. She also highlighted the various factors that can influence concentration, including learning motivation, nutritional intake, psychological well-being, and physiological conditions like sleep quality, noise levels, lighting, temperature, and the learning environment design. The MBG Program aims to address children’s nutritional needs not only for physical growth but also to maximize their cognitive potential and intelligence. Despite challenges such as unhealthy eating habits among children and limited access to nutritious foods in certain areas, Ikeu stressed the importance of collective efforts in supporting the successful implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals Program. The ultimate goal is to ensure lasting benefits for future generations and society as a whole, Ikeu concluded.
