Project Peanuts and Eggs (PEN): An Initiative to Supplement the School Based Feeding Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Education (Department of Education) has issued Department of Education order No.13 series of 2017 which includes guidelines on healthy food and beverage choices in schools and its offices. Department of Education's policy has categorized food and drink under green, yellow or red to guide schools on the food and drinks that can be or can't be sold in the canteen.For these reasons, the researcher found it interesting to conduct a study on how the Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) officers will help to supplement the school-based feeding program with the use of boiled eggs and peanuts.

METHODS

The SPG officers together with their adviser delivered boiled peanuts and eggs in canteen with 20% profit for the canteen and 80% for SPG funds. With the gained profits from delivered items, the SPG officers were expected to donate during every second and last week of the month boiled eggs and nuts for free to the below normal pupils from Kinder to Grade Six. The researcher gathered data from the respective advisers, measured the weight and height of the pupils concerned. They were given free boiled eggs and nuts twice a month. After several months of supplement of nuts and eggs, their height and weight were measured again to determine if there was progress.

RESULTS

Based on the datagathered, out of sixty-two below normal pupils (62), sixteen (16) severely wasted and forty-six (46) wasted pupils, 42 pupils became Normal based on the feeding program and after the supplies of eggs and nuts. Only 6 severely wasted and 14 wasted pupils are now included in the feeding and supplemental program.

DISCUSSIONS

Continuous SPG support on the school's feeding program is advised to be included in the School Improvement Plan. This will also improve the reading performance and will make the nutritional status of learners improved. The officers as well as the adviser shall also think of other means on how to raise funds to provide healthy and nutritious foods. These food items are also included in Green category which are the best choices for a healthy school canteen.