<![CDATA[Background: Makan Bergizi Gratis Program is a school-based nutrition initiative aimed at improving students' nutritional intake, enhancing learning concentration, and reducing disparities in access to nutritious food, particularly among children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. In Indonesia, the prevalence of stunting remains relatively high at 21.6%, and the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) reported 50 foodborne disease outbreaks in 2021, resulting in 1,783 symptomatic cases and 10 deaths. Despite its potential benefits, the implementation of school meal programs requires consistent food safety control measures, as inadequate hygiene practices during food preparation, storage, or distribution may increase the risk of contamination and food poisoning. Purpose: To determine the association between participation in the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program and the occurrence of food poisoning among students at Junior High School “X” in Bandar Lampung. Method: This study employed a quantitative analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach involving 100 students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: The findings showed that the majority of students participated in the MBG program (81%), while the incidence of food poisoning was relatively low (5%). Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between MBG participation and the occurrence of food poisoning (p = 0.219). Conclusion: Participation in the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) was not significantly associated with the incidence of food poisoning among students at Junior High School “X” in Bandar Lampung.]]>
