It was a cheerful midday (July 30) at community preschool PAUD Sehat Ceria, Bojonggede, Bogor, West Java filled with laughter and excitement. After a fun morning of playing and learning, the children’s favorite time had come: lunchbox time! Atha (5) and Shahia (5) sat neatly, their faces lighting up as they opened their lunchboxes.
That day’s healthy lunch menu included rice, shredded sweet soy tuna, sautéed bean sprouts with tofu, and slices of fresh fruit.
“I like the bean sprouts!” said Atha enthusiastically while enjoying her vegetables.
Next to her, Shahia carefully scooped the fish and said,
“It’s yummy, Mam… but I’ll eat just one. I’ll save the other piece for home,” her innocent comment bringing smiles all around.
Since its founding, PAUD Sehat Ceria has implemented the Healthy Lunchbox Program. Children are encouraged to bring nutritious and varied meals from home. At first, many were reluctant to eat vegetables. But as they saw their friends enjoying the meals together, curiosity took over and they began to try. It’s not just about eating but also about building courage, independence, and healthy lifelong habits.
Parents and Teachers: A Powerful Team for Healthy Children
The success of this program lies in the strong collaboration between parents and teachers. Parents are now more mindful when preparing meals, following the “My Plate” (Isi Piringku) nutrition guide from Ministry of Health Republic Indonesia balancing portions of carbohydrates, protein, vegetables, and fruit while also reducing unhealthy foods.
Meanwhile, teachers at PAUD are more than just supervisors during lunch. They are also motivators. They cheer on the children who try new foods and support those learning to eat independently.
Benedikta Da Fince, Coordinator at PAUD Sehat Ceria, beamed as she shared the results from the first two weeks of July:
“The children are eating so well now! It’s totally different from last semester when many still refused vegetables. This past week alone, they’ve tried different vegetables every day without a fuss,” she said.
Mealtime has now become a favorite part of the day.
“They’re more independent and enthusiastic, too. We’ve even integrated this into classroom lessons, exploring food colors, where food comes from, and how it helps the body,” added Bu Fin, as she’s fondly called.
An Investment in a Healthier Generation
For FMCH Indonesia, the Healthy Lunchbox Program is a tangible step toward supporting early childhood growth and development. According to the 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) by the Ministry of Health, 1 in 12 children under five in Indonesia are wasted (suffering from acute malnutrition), and 1 in 5 are stunted (chronically malnourished). One of the major causes is poor diet and limited access to health services.
By nurturing healthy eating habits from an early age, we are making a long-term investment in our children’s futures giving them the nutrition, confidence, and strength they need to grow and thrive.
Written by: Tutik Inayati
Media and Communication Officer
Foundation for Mother and Child Health Indonesia
