MANILA, Philippines – More children will enjoy the benefits of the government’s feeding program, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Wednesday, June 24.

The DSWD’s Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) targets at least 2,568,811 children in 2015 – including those registered under the Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP).

SNP aims to provide early childhood care to toddlers aged two to 4 years old in the absence of free day care centers in their own communities.

According to the latest National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), 19.9% of children under 5 years old suffer from undernutrition. (READ: What’s the nutritional status of Filipinos?)

Importance of feeding program

The SFP provides hot and nutritious meals made of indigenous or locally-produced ingredients to children for 120 days. These meals are expected to fulfill one-third of the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI) set by the FNRI.

Nutrients consumed by children are very important as they contribute to physical and mental development. Lack of proper nutrients may result in hidden hunger which has irreversible effects that will continue until adulthood. (READ: Nutrition facts: Hidden Hunger)

Children-beneficiaries are weighed prior, 3 months in, and after the 120-day period of the program to track development. This will determine if they need heightened attention or are already on their way to attaining proper weight for their age.

However, there are instances that the nutrition of the child is neglected once the program ends. To address this, parents are expected to manage the SFP. (READ: How to involve parents in school feeding programs)

In addition, the SFP also aims to raise awareness among families on the importance of a great attitude, knowledge, and practices regarding nutrition and health education.

Through this, the nutritional status of targeted children will be sustained even after the program period.

Improved budget

The government has released increased funds for the implementation of the national feeding program. (READ: Gov’t feeding program to benefit 4M ‘wasted’ children in 2015)

In 2014, the DSWD received more than P2.68 billion ($59.438 million)* for the program to cover at least 1,696,194 children.

This year, the national government earmarked P4.32 billion ($74.6 million) in the national budget for the feeding program. – Rappler.com

P45=$1

Be part of the conversation! You may also send your video materials, campaigns, and stories to move.ph@rappler.com. Be part of the #HungerProject.