Optimization of Nutritional-Menu Planning for Toddlers by Goal Programming Model

Food or nutrient intake is required to increase human resources. However, there are several problems that arise such as difficulties in preparing a nutritious menu for toddlers and lack of public understanding of nutritional fulfillment despite governmental efforts. Apparently, good quality nutrient is not always costly. Nutritionists often use the material exchange method in calculating the amount of nutrients contained in food as recommended in the standard menu for a toddler. However, this method can cause deviations above or below the expected amount of nutrition. The problem is a multi-objective one because it involves many goals to optimize simultaneously. The targets in preparing this menu are to meet the number of calories and nutritional content and to minimize the expenses. One model for solving this multiobjective problem is goal programming. This model aims to minimize deviations of calorie and nutrient content at optimal costs. The study resulted in the model and solution minimizing the total deviation from the target in accordance with the nutritional requirements set for toddlers.