Over 1,000 cooperatives participated in free meals program: Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono stated that more than 1,000 cooperatives have participated in the government’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program, whether in operating MBG kitchens or serving as material suppliers.Minister Juliantono stated here on Thursday that to support the cooperatives’ production capacity, the government is preparing a financing scheme through the Revolving Fund Management Institution (LPDB).He mentioned that the funding can be used to support the provision of food ingredients, including establishing layer chicken farms, broiler chicken farms, or dairy cattle farms, in accordance with the supply needs.He explained that if the MBG kitchens, or officially called Nutritional Fulfillment Service Units (SPPGs), require millions of eggs, the farm capacity must be adjusted accordingly.”LPDB is ready to provide financing, depending on the value and the business proposal,” he affirmed.He also stated that the government has approved the formation of a joint team between the Cooperatives Ministry and the MBG task forces in various regions.This step is aimed at supporting the National Nutrition Agency (BGN) in meeting the supply needs of the MBG kitchens.On a separate occasion, Deputy Head of BGN, Nanik S Deyang, expressed hope that the financing support from LPDB would strengthen production cooperatives in securing the food supply chain for the MBG program.”With financing support from the LPDB, cooperatives can meet the needs of MBG kitchens and secure the necessary food supplies,” she said in Jakarta on Thursday.Deyang noted that the number of MBG beneficiaries has reached 40 million people, comprising school students, under-five children, breastfeeding mothers, and pregnant women, served by a total of 14,229 SPPGs.She emphasized that strengthening production cooperatives through revolving funds will help increase the food supply, thereby able to meet the needs of the community and the MBG program sustainably.