<![CDATA[The Free Nutritious Meals Program (Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) is a socioeconomic policy that has the potential to improve students’ nutritional intake while strengthening the local economy. This article analyzes the impact of the Tulangan Nutrition Fulfillment Service Unit (Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi/SPPG) on the economic empowerment of lower-income workers, including kitchen workers, distribution personnel, food suppliers, and microenterprise owners. Using a qualitative approach and the perspective of Keynesian theory, this study explains how government expenditure can function as a fiscal stimulus that generates a multiplier effect through increased income and consumption. The analysis indicates that MBG has the potential to increase household income, expand employment opportunities, and stimulate local economic activity when the procurement of goods and services involves local businesses. However, its effectiveness faces several challenges, including dependence on the state budget, payment delays, supply chain management, nutritional quality, and SPPG institutional capacity. Therefore, the success of MBG as an instrument for the economic empowerment of lower-income workers requires accountability, community participation, good governance, and sustainable financing.]]>
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