Assessment of the School-Based Feeding Program in Mayasang Elementary School: Basis for Feeding Intervention Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

It was already proven that malnutrition can adversely affect physical, mental and social aspects of a child's health. Thus, every school should be committed not only in the development of their knowledge and skills but more importantly, develop every child to be physically fit and emotionally healthy through proper nutrition.

METHODS

The descriptive research method was employed in this study. It was centered only on the assessment of the school-based feeding program being implemented in Mayasang Elementary School, District of Lemery. The study started in June 2018 and was finished by August 2018 (120 days). It identified 51 wasted and 2severely wasted pupils from Kindergarten to Grade VI based on their BMI results The respondents were these students and the 15 teachers and personnel of the school. The researcher was motivated to conduct this study to promote the school-based feeding program and find better means on how the program could be more effective in producing lifelong learners.

RESULTS

After the careful analysis of the data from the questionnaire and the results of their BMI after 120 days, it was stated that the program was effective, thus; 1) there was a decrease of malnourished pupils by at least 70 %, 2) absenteeism among the identified pupils who undergone this study dropped, and 3) Parent volunteers were informed of the different healthy menus which they can easily prepare at home to sustain the feeding program of the school.

DISCUSSIONS

In the light of the findings presented in this study, the school administrator, the teacher, and the parents should find better ways and means to strengthen the school-based feeding program by ensuring its continuity through tapping other stakeholders. They will serve as sponsors that will provide financial assistance and/ or manpower to volunteer in the conduct of the program. If possible, the school should involve all pupils identified as wasted and severely wasted through an honest and religious evaluation of BMI of a clinic teacher.