Using a School Meal Report Book to Improve Preschool Children’s Packed Meals in Tanjung Morawa

Abstract

This article critically evaluates the use of a School Meal Report Book as a tool for monitoring packed meals and facilitating teacher–parent feedback at PAUD Bintang Harapan, Tanjung Morawa, North Sumatra. The study draws on documentation of a 2022 community programme and uses a descriptive-evaluative approach with repeated observations. Teachers assessed seven meal components—food types, nutrient-group composition, preparation, presentation, consumption, beverages and containers—using scores of 6, 8 or 10 and relayed weekly suggestions to parents. School records identify 104 enrolled children, 63 report-book recipients and 60 children in the reported outcome analysis; the reason for the discrepancy is undocumented. Before implementation, approximately 80% of children reportedly brought meals dominated by rice and simple side dishes. At the end of the programme, approximately 75% reportedly brought more varied meals including fruit or vegetables. The six-week records suggest broadly improving scores, with consumption rated relatively highly and beverages relatively poorly. These are descriptive observations, not estimates of causal effects or nutrient intake. The contribution lies in evaluating a practical, multidimensional feedback process and its reporting limitations. Replication requires clearer denominators, validated scoring criteria and longer-term assessment.