Over 1.9-M kids benefit from feeding programs

At least 1,935,515 young children received at least one fortified meal for a period of not less than 120 days in a year last 2023, the Department of Social Welfare and Development reported Thursday.

The DSWD said in 2023 it remained true to its commitment to improve the nutritional status of young Filipino children through its implementation of community-based feeding programs.

As part of the agency's contribution to the Early Childhood Care and Development program of the government and Republic Act 11037 or the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, the DSWD partnered with local government units to implement the Supplementary Feeding Program.

As chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger, Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Irene Dumlao said that the DSWD will continue to prioritize programs to ensure food security of Filipinos.

"For this year, the department will continue to strengthen its collaboration with national agencies, LGUs, and development partners to realize the vision of the Marcos administration for a
hunger-free Philippines," Dumlao said.

The SFP provides nutritious snacks and hot meals to augment the regular meals of children aged 2 to 4 years that are enrolled in supervised neighborhood play and children aged 3 to 5 years enrolled in child development centers.