Translating Local Specific Food-based Recommendations (FBRs) Into School Nutrition Policies : Study Report Summary

School-age children are a critical group for nutrition investment as they will enter their most productive years by 2045. Yet nutrition challenges remain substantial in which 26.1% of school-age children\r\nskip breakfast, while undernutrition affects 11.0% of children aged 5–12 years, 7.6% of those aged 13–15 years, and 8.3% of those aged 16–18 years. Anemia also affects 16.3% of children aged 5–14 years and 15.3% of young people aged 15–24 years, underscoring the need to improve both the quantity and quality of diets during the school years.\r\nIndonesiaʼs Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) programme provides a major opportunity to help address these nutrition gaps through regular access to nutritious meals. However, Indonesiaʼs diverse food environments mean that nutrient gaps and the foods available to address them may differ across settings. To support more context-relevant school nutrition interventions, SEAMEO RECFON, GAIN,\r\nand academic partners applied Linear Programming using WHO Optifood to develop local-specific Food-Based Recommendations (FBRs) based on actual dietary patterns, local food availability, and\r\nnutrient gaps. These FBRs can inform both nutrientdense MBG menus and locally relevant nutrition education, translating national nutrition guidance into practical actions for schools, children, and families.