The success of the learning process is influenced not only by the quality of instruction but also by the fulfillment of students’ basic needs, particularly nutrition. The Free Nutritious Meal Program (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) is an Indonesian government initiative designed to improve students’ nutritional status, thereby enhancing their physical readiness and learning interest. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the Free Nutritious Meal Program and students’ learning interest at SDN Citiis. A quantitative approach with a correlational design was employed. The population consisted of 104 students, and 83 students were selected through cluster sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the Spearman Rank correlation test with SPSS version 27. The findings revealed a significant relationship between the Free Nutritious Meal Program and students’ learning interest, with a Spearman Rank correlation coefficient of 0.826 and a significance value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a very strong positive relationship. The results suggest that better implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program is associated with higher levels of students’ learning interest. These findings support Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, which emphasizes that fulfilling physiological needs is fundamental to fostering students’ learning motivation and engagement.
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