<![CDATA[Background: Children’s health and growth are strongly influenced by adequate intake of essential macronutrients, including energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The Free Nutritious Meal Program (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) is a government initiative designed to support the nutritional needs of school-aged children through the provision of nutritious meals. Purpose: To determine the relationship between macronutrient intake from the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) and nutritional status based on Body Mass Index-for-Age (BMI-for-Age) among students at SD Negeri 3 Gedong Air, Bandar Lampung City, in 2026. Method: This study employed a cross-sectional design involving 48 students selected using cluster random sampling. Macronutrient intake from MBG meals was assessed using a 24-hour food recall and analyzed using NutriSurvey 2007. Nutritional status was assessed based on BMI-for-Age using WHO AnthroPlus software. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis with frequency distributions and percentages, while bivariate analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. Results: The results showed that most respondents had normal nutritional status (64.6%). Significant relationships were found between energy intake (p = 0.002), protein intake (p = 0.036), fat intake (p = 0.000), carbohydrate intake (p = 0.038), and total macronutrient intake (p = 0.000) from MBG meals and nutritional status based on BMI-for-Age. Conclusion: Macronutrient intake from the Free Nutritious Meal Program was significantly associated with the nutritional status of elementary school students based on BMI-for-Age. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of students’ macronutrient intake and nutritional status are recommended to support the effectiveness of the MBG program in improving the nutritional well-being of school-aged children.]]>
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