Authors : Wahyu Saputra; Lijan Poltak Sinambela; Hasanudin

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ynmjrs32

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/5h48u2ma

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan1202

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background: Government-led free nutritious meal programs have gained global prominence as key public policy instruments to improve child nutrition and strengthen human capital development. While policy design, financing, and food logistics have been widely examined, the role of human resource management (HRM) in ensuring effective and sustainable implementation remains underexplored.  Objective: This scoping review aims to map existing evidence on how HRM is addressed in the policy formulation and implementation of government-led free nutritious meal programs, with particular attention to workforce roles, capacity development, and governance mechanisms, and to draw implications for implementation in Aceh, Indonesia.  Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Relevant literature was identified from major databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed) and grey literature sources, including government reports and policy documents. Evidence was synthesized narratively and organized according to key HRM domains.  Results: The review identified diverse HRM approaches across countries, encompassing workforce role allocation, training and certification systems, intersectoral coordination structures, and accountability mechanisms. Common challenges included capacity gaps, high workload, limited professionalization of frontline workers, and weak coordination across implementing agencies.  Conclusion: Human resource management plays a critical yet underemphasized role in the success of free nutritious meal programs. Strengthening workforce governance, competency standards, and inter-agency coordination is essential to enhance policy fidelity and ensure sustainable program delivery.

Keywords : Human Resource Management; Free Nutritious Meal Program; Policy Implementation; Workforce Governance; Scoping Review.

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