JAKARTA, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's free meal program has been running across 38 provinces in the archipelago since its launch on Jan. 6, according to Dadan Hindayana, head of the National Nutrition Agency.
"It is now implemented in 38 provinces, with Central Papua starting today," Dadan said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday.
"So, in one and a half months, the program has reached 38 provinces and 693 service units. This week, we will be able to serve more than 2 million beneficiaries," he added.
To minimize waste and environmental impact, the program utilizes an environmentally friendly packaging system, requiring students to return the packaging each day.
The government ensures that the free meal program is supported by locally sourced protein, including eggs and meat. Additionally, efforts to enhance food security are underway, including importing 2 million breeding cattle to strengthen the local dairy industry.
During Ramadan, a special, more durable menu will be provided, with distribution mechanisms adjusted to allow beneficiaries to consume meals during iftar.
The program will be evaluated periodically to ensure its effectiveness. ■
