04 September 2025
Syafrijal S.Kom
The University of North Sumatra (USU), through its Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), conducted a community service activity at State Islamic Elementary School 6 in Medan City. The activity was titled "Nutrition Education in the Implementation of the National Free Nutritional Meal Program (MBG) as an Effort to Accelerate Stunting Reduction in Elementary School Children."
The activity, which took place on Wednesday (August 20th), aimed to provide students and teachers with an understanding of the importance of nutritious food and its relationship to health, supporting children's growth and intelligence.
The community service activity was officially opened by Prof. Ir. Etti Sudaryati, MKM, PhD, accompanied by a team of Drs. Alam Bakti Keloko, MKes, Sarah Patumona Manalu, SKM, MKes, and students from the Public Health Science postgraduate program.
Prof. Etti stated that nutrition education for school-aged children is crucial for preventing stunting from an early age. "Through the Free Nutritional Meal program, we hope that every child can receive balanced nutrition to support optimal growth," she said.
The principal of MIN 6 Medan City, Isna Fitriani Harahap, SPd, added that she greatly appreciated this program. "This activity is not only beneficial for students' health, but also increases their knowledge about the importance of a healthy diet and personal hygiene," she said.
The students participating in this activity were very enthusiastic. The activity began with a basic nutritional and health check, including blood pressure, respiration, pulse, body temperature, and a vision examination using a Snellen chart.
This activity was designed not only to provide education but also to ensure each child has a basic understanding of their own health condition.
Educational materials were delivered interactively about Balanced Nutrition for School Children, emphasizing the principle of "fill my plate" and the importance of consuming a balanced diet to support optimal growth.
Materials on proper handwashing practices, as an effort to prevent disease and maintain personal hygiene in the school environment, were also presented.
In addition to education and health checks, this activity also provided free nutritious food samples to all students during a communal meal. Students participating in the activity also shared short messages, such as, "It was great to learn about healthy eating and proper handwashing. I hope activities like this will continue at our school, which demonstrates their enthusiasm and appreciation for this community service program," said the Principal.
During this activity, the community service team also donated several essential tools to the School Health Unit (UKS), including scales, Ishihara books, Snellen charts, microtoices, pocket books, and thermometers.
This assistance is expected to support routine health checks and ongoing nutrition education at the school.
"Through this community service activity, the University of North Sumatra once again demonstrates its commitment to improving the quality of children's health and supporting the government's program to accelerate stunting reduction," explained Prof. Etti.
