When the Stomach is Full but the Body Lacks Nutritio (Hidden Hunger): The School Nutrition Corner Program in Junior High Schools, Education for a Healthy and Prosperous Life

Abstract

 The success of a country in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals depends on the quality of its human resources, which is reflected in physical resilience and mental strength [1]. Achieving zero malnutrition and hunger by 2030 is one of the key goals among the seventeen pillars of sustainable development. Although society has advanced and awareness about the role of food in children’s growth and development is increasing, many teenagers continue to suffer from malnutrition even though they do not feel hungry.[2] Hidden hunger is defined as a condition in which the body lacks certain essential micronutrients (particularly iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A), even in the absence of an energy intake deficit. This can occur when food portions are large but nutritionally poor. Long-term nutrient deficiencies make adolescents vulnerable to learning difficulties and weakened immune systems, increasing the risk of chronic illness at an early age. Malnutrition is often indicated by physical conditions such as wasting (being too thin) or underweight (having low body weight). According to the 2020 Global Hunger Index, the rate of malnutrition in Indonesia ranges from 20% to 40%. According to the World Health Organization (2020), an estimated 45.4 million children worldwide are affected by wasting [3]. According to the Ministry of Health (2019), the prevalence of hidden hunger among adolescents in Indonesia is 32%, ranking second after pregnant women, who have a prevalence rate of 48.9% [4]. Data from UNICEF and the Ministry of Health show that more than 30% of adolescents suffer from iron deficiency and anemia.[5] A primary factor contributing to this problem is the insufficient provision of nutrition education at home and in educational institutions. Many parents and children are still unaware of the importance of balanced nutrition in every meal portion. A sustainable and easy-to-understand nutrition education program is urgently needed, especially in schools, which serve as the second environment after the home in shaping children’s eating habits. The Nutrition Corner program implemented at SMP Negeri 3 Sugio serves as a platform for students to exchange information regarding their health conditions. Therefore, the solution to this problem is not merely to ensure that children eat enough, but also to pay close attention to what they eat. The national goals of Indonesia, as outlined in the 2030 SDGs, can be achieved by applying the principles of Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-Being—ensuring an end to Eliminating hunger, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and supporting the overall well-being of every individual in the community [6].