Gulayan sa Paaralan Project (GPP): As Correlates to Nutritional Status of Pupils in Upli Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The study of nutrition is of prime importance throughout a person's life. School gardens are a great way to get children to learn about nutrition. In this study, we explore the importance of Gulayan sa Paaralan in improving the nutritional status of the pupils.

METHODS

The research used descriptive design to describe systematically the results of the study. The respondent was selected through the baseline results of nutritional status. Regular monitoring of the weight and height of concerned pupils was conducted.

RESULTS

Out of 213 pupils, 2 pupils belonged to severely wasted and 18 pupils belonged to wasted pupils during the base line in terms of their weight and height respectively, After the introduction of nutritional garden, the consumption of indigenous vegetable increased in their daily diet which contributed towards the good health. During the midline (after 60 days of feeding), 15 pupils belonged to normalin weight and height and only 5 belonged to wasted. Purchasing of the ingredients for the daily menus given by the Division Office and International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) was fully implemented. In end line (post weighing), 100% of SBFP recipients belonged to normal -an indication that the food served during the feeding were rich in vitamins and nutrients.

DISCUSSIONS

The results revealed that the benefits of GPP assures continuous supply of fresh indigenous vegetables and inculcation of knowledge in agriculture. Using school garden produce in school food service programs has been suggested as means to improve the nutritional quality of food served at SBFP, integrate food service with nutrition education, and possibly reduce the cost of budget.