The Impact of School-Based Feeding Program in Bilog Elementary School Pupils School Year 2017-2018

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

School feeding program has a significant positive effect on growth and cognitive performance in children. Various researchers assert that a child’s fastest growth in physical mental and socio-emotional characteristics place during this age and children are found to be the most vulnerable to environmental influence. It is clear that improved nutrition and health are seen as necessary conditions for learning achievement in many institutions, but government bodies have often ignored the importance of child's health and nutrition to improved children's performance. This study, therefore, expects to fill the gap.

METHODS

A descriptive method was used. The research was conducted at Bilog Elementary School. A total of 18 pupils who are severely wasted were included in this research. The pupils of this study were from Kinder to Grade 6. They were chosen according to their nutritional status. The teachers, parents, as well as the School head, are well oriented with the School-Based Feeding Program. The parents were informed of their child's nutritional status and the programs, objectives, and purposes which they would take part.

RESULTS

The study shows that 18 out of 192 pupils from Kinder to Grade 6 went through the School-Based Feeding Program. Before the feeding program, the respondents belong to wasted and severely wasted pupils. After the feeding program, 16 pupils improved their nutritional status. After the feeding program, there are lesser number of malnourished pupils and their academic performance has improved.

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher accomplished the study objectives and showed that a school feeding program improves pupil's nutritional status. The results of the program are encouraging, comparable to other studies.SBFP significantly improves the child’s nutritional status. Mother's education has a positive effect on her child's nutritional status as well as school enrolment and test scores. A mother's BMI was positively associated with child nutritional status: healthy mothers have healthy children.