Makan Bergizi Gratis Dalam Perspektif Kritis: Seberapa Besar Pengaruhnya Terhadap Perkembangan Peserta Didik Di Indonesia

The Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) is a government policy aimed at improving human resource quality by meeting the nutritional needs of students. This program was initiated due to ongoing nutrition problems and unequal access to nutritious food, which can affect students' health and learning quality. This study aims to analyze the impact of MBG on student development, especially in terms of health, learning quality, and equal educational opportunities. The research uses a qualitative approach with a library research method by reviewing various scientific journals, policy documents, and relevant literature. The analysis is conducted from a Keynesian theory perspective, which emphasizes the importance of government intervention to improve public welfare and reduce social inequality. Research results show that MBG contributes positively to improving physical health, learning concentration, school attendance, and students' readiness to participate in the learning process. This program also helps reduce the gap in development opportunities between students from wealthy and less wealthy families by providing more equitable access to nutritious food. In addition to offering short-term benefits like meeting daily nutritional needs, MBG has the potential to impact long-term cognitive development and human resource quality. However, the program's success heavily depends on the quality of implementation, equal distribution, and policy sustainability. Therefore, MBG can be a strategic tool in supporting the development of a healthy, smart, and productive generation if carried out consistently and sustainably.