DOH Stresses Nutrition Literacy for Healthy Students
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) underscores the vital role of nutrition literacy among students to encourage healthy eating habits. This focus on nutrition literacy comes as the Department of Education (DepEd) rolls out its Expanded School-Based Feeding Program nationwide.
“Beyond providing meals, the DOH stresses the importance of educating youth on proper nutrition, so they can consistently choose vegetables, fruits, and nutritious food every day,” local health officials noted.
Expanded School-Based Feeding Program Targets Malnutrition
For the first time, public kindergarten students across the Philippines will benefit from daily meals for 120 school days. This initiative, funded with P11.7 billion, aims to fight early childhood malnutrition effectively.
The DepEd plans to provide hot meals and fortified food to roughly 3.4 million learners, including kindergarten pupils and those from Grades 1 to 6 who are severely wasted or wasted.
“This approach is backed by clear results: since last school year, the number of severely wasted kindergarten children dropped by more than half, from 113,451 to 47,281,” education officials shared.
Understanding Severe Wasting and Its Risks
Severely wasted children suffer from extreme malnutrition, being significantly underweight for their height. According to international health sources, these children face up to eleven times higher risk of death from common illnesses like pneumonia compared to healthy peers.
Nutrition Education Complements Feeding Efforts
DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized that feeding programs are only the first step. Teaching students how to select and consume nutritious food is equally crucial.
“Proper education, such as the Pinggang Pinoy guide long championed by DOH, and initiatives like Gulayan sa Paaralan, are key to this effort,” Herbosa explained.
Pinggang Pinoy, created by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, serves as a food guide that illustrates the right portions of food groups on a plate, helping children understand balanced meals.
School Gardening Supports Nutrition Goals
The DepEd also reported that 94% of schools nationwide participate in the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, which promotes school gardens. The program received a P20 million budget in 2024 and is projected to increase to P21.8 million in 2025, ensuring continued support for fresh vegetable supply and nutrition education.
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