School-Based Feeding Program Through Project BLT (Busog,Lakas,Talino)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Severely wasted and wasted pupils are one of the problems in our school. We identified 49 severely wasted and wasted pupils from Kinder to Grade VI after weighing. Our expected outputsis to decrease the number of severely wasted and wasted pupils from 49 to 20 at the end of 120 days. Through the school-based feeding launched in every school and project BLT, wasted and severely wasted will be lessen. This program primarily aims to improve the nutritional status of the beneficiaries by at least 70% at the end of 120 days. It also aims to increase classroom attendance by 85% and improves the children's health and nutritional values and behavior.

METHODS

We used three milestones in the school-based feeding program through project BLT.

First milestone is brainstorming 12 teachers, orientation of 49 parents, home visitation, feeding proper, and weighing. Second milestone is to monitor the impact regarding class attendance, the performance of pupils in class discussion, and constructing a conducive feeding area. Third milestone is to assess the impact of feeding to recipients. We also used vegetables coming from our “Gulayan sa Paaralan” which added nutrients in the feeding served.

RESULTS

At the end, of 120 days 49 severely wasted and wasted pupils became normal. Absenteeism was lessened. Active participation of beneficiaries in class discussion was proven. Produced well-nourished children. Risk of dropping -out was prevented. Pupils learned to eat vegetables and value the worth of “Pinggang Pinoy” to their daily living.

DISCUSSIONS

The three milestones we used in the school-based feeding program through project BLT are an avenue to achieve the goal to decrease the wasted and severely wasted. In our school, we did not only feed the pupils but we also evaluated its impact to them. Collaboration, commitment, and dedication of the internal and external stakeholders are the recipe of success.