Empowering Peer Leader: Gizi Seimbang Tanpa Sisa untuk Remaja Sehat dan Masa Depan Gemilang

Abstract

Adolescence is the second period of rapid growth after infancy, making adequate nutrients is crucial. National data shows persistently high level of malnutrition and low level of nutritious food consumption among adolescents. The “Empowering Peer Leader: Balanced Nutrition Without Waste for Healthy Adolescents and a Brighter Future” program aimed to improve adolescents’ knowledge and practices on balanced nutrition and food-waste reduction through a peer-leader approach. Implemented from July to November 2025 in Bogor City, the program consisted of five stages: (1) needs assessment through FGDs, (2) peer-leader education integrating balanced nutrition, mindful eating, and food-waste reduction accompanied by portion-weighing, compost-making, and plant cultivation; (3) peer-leader education and creative-work competitions; (4) monitoring; and (5) a final awards event. FGDs indicated the need for strengthened education on balanced nutrition and practice of arranging the content of my plate, adolescent anemia, and food-waste reduction, supported by strong stakeholder commitment. Peer-leader education significantly improved nutrition knowledge (p = 0.008), reflected in an increase the proportion of students in the “Good” category from 44.8% to 58.6%, a rise in mean scores from 77.53 ± 19.49 to 82.84 ± 23.16 (Δ = 5.31 ± 10.75), and better understanding of portion size.  Monitoring showed that peer leaders were able to deliver material adequately, and most cultivated plants remained well maintained. The awards recognized the most active peer leaders and students, reinforcing motivation and supporting program sustainability. Overall, the program strengthened peer-leader capacity and encouraged healthier eating behaviors and environmentally responsible practices within the school setting.