IMPLEMENTATION OF A HEALTHY FOOD PROGRAM IN KINDERGARTEN, KOTA BARU, BANDA ACEH

Abstract

This study aims to describe the implementation of the Healthy Food Program at TK Karyawan Kota Baru Kota Banda Aceh. This study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. The research subjects consisted of one school principal and one facilitator. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman model through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. Data trustworthiness was established through source triangulation. The results showed that the program was implemented through two main stages: planning and implementation. Planning involved coordination among the foundation, school principal, and facilitator to determine the activity schedule, develop varied healthy food menus, and provide parents with information on nutritious food. Implementation included handwashing, orderly queuing, praying, eating together under facilitator guidance, and cleaning the eating area after meals. The program supported children's nutritional needs while promoting clean and healthy living habits, introducing nutritious foods, and fostering discipline, independence, and responsibility. The study was limited by the small number of informants and its focus on a single early childhood education institution. The findings provide practical information for early childhood education institutions seeking to integrate nutritional aspects with healthy living behaviors. The novelty of this study lies in its contextual description of program implementation, particularly the planning and implementation processes and the involvement of supporting parties at TK Karyawan Kota Baru Kota Banda Aceh.