From Meal Acceptance to Plate Waste Reduction: An Integrated School Nutrition Promotion Framework for Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meal Program

Prima Trisna Aji; Elinda Rizkasari

doi:10.64421/ijels.v2i2.104

Prima Trisna Aji Lincoln University College
Elinda Rizkasari Universitas Slamet Riyadi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64421/ijels.v2i2.104

Keywords:

School Nutrition Promotion, Whole-School Nutrition, Meal Acceptance, Plate Waste, Behaviour Change

Abstract

School feeding programs require integrated strategies that address both food provision and children's eating behaviours to improve meal acceptance and reduce plate waste. This study aimed to formulate an Integrated School Nutrition Promotion Framework within Indonesia's Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). A Design-Based Research approach was conducted through five phases: needs assessment, framework design, expert validation, pilot implementation, and refinement. The study involved 70 participants from five public primary schools, including students, teachers, school personnel, and parents. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and document analysis, while content validity was assessed using the Content Validity Index. The findings identified six interrelated components: nutrition literacy, teacher engagement, active learning, peer support, parental engagement, and a supportive school food environment. Expert evaluation demonstrated excellent content validity (S-CVI/Ave = 0.97), while pilot implementation indicated that the framework was feasible for integration into school routines and supported stakeholder engagement in nutrition promotion activities. Unlike approaches that address nutrition education or food provision separately, this framework integrates educational, behavioural, social, and environmental dimensions within a unified whole-school approach. The framework provides a context-responsive strategy for improving meal acceptance, reducing plate waste, and strengthening the sustainability of school feeding programs.

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Author Biographies

Prima Trisna Aji, Lincoln University College

Department of Nursing
Elinda Rizkasari, Universitas Slamet Riyadi

Department of Elementary Teacher Education

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