Project MESN: Maganda ang Edukasyon Kung Sapat ang Nutrisyon

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Education (Department of Education), through the School Health Division-Bureau of Learner Support Services (SHD-BLSS), shall implement the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) to address undernutrition and short-term hunger among public school children. Gulayan sa Paaralan served as a partner of the SBFP. It served as supplier of vegetables such as malunggay, pechay, mustasa, sitaw, and other green leafy plants which are very essential for the nutritious meals served. A feeding program in such schools does more than alleviate absenteeism, lower dropout rates and improved concentration and energy levels in students. While weighing the pros and cons of starting a feeding program, it became very clear that such a project will have a long-term positive impact that would not only benefit the students but also the parents, teachers, and local community.

METHODS

A cohort study was performed with secondary data on childrenaged from five to 12 years old, they get their Nutritional status by weighing in and height in to become the recipient of School-based feeding program for 120 days.

RESULTS

The program had a positive effect on child weight gain, varying according to child nutritional status when starting this program; among those who started it with weight gain not compromised, out of 40 severely wasted pupils, 30 pupils become normal in their Nutritional status.

DISCUSSIONS

40 severely wasted pupils will benefit if they will become nourished and normal as per nutritional status. If the problem on severely wasted pupils will be solved better performance of the children school will be achieved. They can get themselves involved in all of the system's program and thrust for they are mentally capacitated because of proper nutrition. There is no doubt that the Department of Education mission and vision will be achieved.