Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Free Nutritious Meal Program in Improving Students’ Cognitive Abilities Based on Nutritional Status

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) in improving students' cognitive abilities based on nutritional status in Brangsong Village, Indonesia. The research used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative designs. Quantitative data were collected from 30 student beneficiaries via questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with managers of the Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (SPPG), school authorities, students, and parents, and analyzed thematically. The results show a positive and significant relationship between nutritional status and academic achievement, but no significant relationship with students' cognitive ability. Nutrient intake, however, was positively and significantly associated with both cognitive ability and academic achievement. The strongest relationship was observed between cognitive ability and academic achievement. These findings suggest that the MBG program effectively supports academic achievement by improving nutrient intake and cognitive ability. However, its impact on students’ nutritional status has not been uniformly distributed.