A Comparative Review on the Implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) and School Feeding in Various Countries: A Literature Review
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Abstract
This study aimed to critically analyze the governance of Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) in comparison with established school feeding programs in the United States, Brazil, India, and the Philippines to formulate long-term program sustainability strategies. This study employed a scoping literature review design with a descriptive-comparative approach. A systematic literature search was performed across three scientific databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed), covering the period from 2010 to 2025. Applying strict inclusion criteria (peer-reviewed journals and official policy documents) and exclusion criteria, 11 primary scientific articles and 6 official policy documents were selected for synthesis. The analysis focused on policy and regulatory frameworks, institutional arrangements, delivery mechanisms, financing systems, and their implications for children’s nutritional and educational outcomes. The review indicated that countries supported by strong legal foundations, sustainable financing, and well-functioning evaluation systems yield more stable and consistent nutritional improvements. As a newly implemented initiative, Indonesia’s MBG program has significant potential to improve nutritional outcomes while strengthening local food supply chains. Nevertheless, its implementation remains challenged by infrastructure disparities, variations in human resource capacity, and suboptimal monitoring systems. This study concluded that the long-term sustainability of the MBG relies on strong governance, effective cross-sectoral coordination, and sustainable financing. Consequently, the program should consider adopting an affirmative targeting strategy that prioritizes students from low-income and vulnerable households in areas with a high prevalence of malnutrition to maximize program effectiveness and promote fiscal sustainability.
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