Five IPB University Students Mitigate Food Waste in the MBG Program at Elementary Schools
Five IPB University students mitigated potential food waste in the Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) program held at two elementary schools, namely SDN Sukamantri 03 in Bogor Regency and SDN Cimahpar 03 in Bogor City.
The five students are Ikhda Annisa, Rida Nadia Salsa Bila, and Cut Sarah Aulia Nanda (Resource and Environmental Economics), Yoviananto Putra Hadi (Sharia Economics), and Muh Syabril Diandra (Actuaria). This activity is part of the Student Creativity Program (PKM) that they are participating in with Dr Meti Ekayani as their lecturer.
“We applied the nudge theory approach to reduce food waste in this MBG program. Nudge theory is a behavioral theory that subtly influences a person without eliminating their habits or routines,” said Ikhda Annisa, team leader.
Ikhda revealed that she and her team measured food waste for eight consecutive days in third-grade classrooms and conducted interviews with students to develop mitigation strategies.
In implementing the program, the team provided two treatment models. First, they showed educational videos that taught the importance of not leaving food uneaten. Second, they created pocket books containing students’ achievements in finishing their food, which were rewarded with unique stickers to motivate the students.
“This approach has many opportunities because it is low cost and enjoyable for children. They feel included and motivated to form good habits,” said Ikhda.
However, she acknowledged that there are still a number of challenges, including changes in student behavior that take time, differences in each child’s response, and habits at home that also influence the results. In addition, she emphasized that maintaining the sustainability of the program is a major focus, so that it does not end up as just a temporary activity.
The success of the program can be measured by a reduction in food waste, an increase in the number of students who finish their meals, and positive responses from students and teachers who are able to maintain these good habits.
“This nudge theory approach is expected to reduce food waste in the MBG program and serve as a policy reference that encourages behavioral change without direct coercion,” he hoped. (dh) (IAAS/HRD)
