Indonesia: Thousands fall sick from free school meals

September 1, 2026 · 10:20 pm 4 sources

Image: NPR

Coverage

Wires & papers of record

• As millions of kids lose SNAP food benefits, free school meals are also at risk
  NPR · September 3, 2026 09:00
  Food stamps have a direct link to other critical resources, such as free breakfast and lunch at school. Now, experts say they're starting to see that link break.
• Around 2,000 fall ill in Indonesia after eating free school meals
  BBC News · September 3, 2026 15:48
  Authorities are investigating several suspected outbreaks amid growing criticism of the scheme.

Coverage

• Indonesia: Thousands fall sick from free school meals
  Deutsche Welle · September 3, 2026 17:59
  Hundreds of new food poisoning cases have been reported this week linked to President Prabowo Subianto's free school lunch program. The costly scheme has been dogged by health concerns and allegations of corruption.

More coverage

• Elementary school teachers report increased student hunger and anxiety after universal free school meals ended
  Phys.org · September 1, 2026 22:20
  A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior explored elementary school teachers' experiences before and after the end of the federal universal free school meals (UFSM) policy. Researchers found that teachers perceived the policy had helped reduce student hunger and…