PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Acting Head of the Bandung City Education Office, Tantan Syurya Santana revealed that the free nutritious meal program that started on January 6, 2025 in Bandung City has been running smoothly.

To date, as many as 6,500 students from 13 schools, consisting of 9 Elementary Schools (SD) and 4 Junior High Schools (SMP), have benefited from this program.

"Alhamdulillah, the food always runs out, and there is no waste left. All food that is not taken is returned to the provider or vendor," said Tantan at Bandung City Hall (8/1/2024).

Tantan said, starting Monday, January 13, 2025, this program will collide to 5 additional sub-districts, namely Arcamanik, Antapani, Andir, Batununggal, and Coblong.

With this addition, 16,000 students will receive free nutritious meals, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 21,000 students.

"The increase in the number of students is done gradually. The target is to reach up to 30 percent of students from a total of 310,000 students in Bandung City by 2025," he explained.

This program is supported by the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), which ensures food safety and quality.

Every food service kitchen must meet the standards set by the National Nutrition Agency and implement them strictly.

Currently, there are three kitchens serving students, namely in the Husein Sastranegara Air Force Base and Sukamulya. On January 13, five new kitchens will start operating.

Cleanliness, operational permits, and sanitation are the main things to pay attention to. This is to ensure that the food provided is not only nutritious, but also safe," he added.

Tantan hopes that all parties who support this program so that more students, both from public and private schools, can feel the benefits. (Bandung City Communication and Information Service/Fauziah)