Catering Problems, Free Nutrition Eating Program In Balikpapan Postponed A Week

BALIKPAPAN The national nutritious food program should have been held simultaneously in all provinces on Monday, January 6. However, in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, this program had to be postponed until Monday next week due to problems with catering parties. This delay caused disappointment among students.

In this program, the Government has appointed two schools in Balikpapan, namely SMP Negeri 5 and SMK Negeri 1, as recipients of nutritious food assistance. However, two days before the implementation, the catering party appointed by the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) stated that they were not ready.

Acting Head of SMP Negeri 5 Balikpapan, Sriwati, said the catering party submitted a notification of the delay via WhatsApp message.

"This delay is suspected because the catering party still has to coordinate further with the National Nutrition Agency," said Sriwati, Monday, January 6.

This program is planned to provide nutritious food to 1,247 students from grade 7 to grade 10 in the two schools. Sriwati added that the school had appealed to students to bring their own places to eat and drink so that the remaining food could be brought home.

"We hope that this free nutritious eating program can be carried out immediately according to schedule, without delay anymore, because student nutritional needs are very important," he said.

This delay reflects the need for better coordination between the National Nutrition Agency, catering parties, and program recipient schools. The government is expected to ensure that this program runs smoothly in the Balikpapan area and other areas, in order to meet student nutrition needs evenly.