School-based Feeding Program for Undernourished Children in the Philippines

抄録

Objective: The School-based Feeding Program (SBFP) was implemented in the Philippines in 1997. We clarified the current aims and situation of the SBFP and assessed this program.

Methods: One of the authors, who has worked in this country, received related documents and information. She also visited elementary schools to observe the SBFP and interviewed teachers and nurses to grasp the real situation.

Results: The SBFP aims to improve school attendance and the nutritional status of target beneficiaries, to conduct group hand washing and tooth brushing activities, and to encourage backyard vegetable gardening to support the feeding program. The target beneficiaries are all either wasted or severely wasted kindergarten to Grade 6 children in public educational institutions who were evaluated by nutritional assessment. With respect to improved school presence, growth of vegetables, and observed positive health habits and behaviors, the SBFP might be evaluated as a "well managed program". Meanwhile, no nutritionists or dietitians are allocated in the schools, and no recommended nutritional intake values seem to have been established in the SBFP. Besides, the status of undernourished children remains unchanged and overweight or obese children have gradually increased. Concerning nutrition education, it is integrated in a specific subject, but sufficient textbooks and materials are not prepared.

Conclusion: The SBFP seems to produce good yearly achievements in terms of some original aims. However, nutritional problems of the students and the shortage of human resources remain. To promote positive health conditions in the children, improvement in these issues in the SBFP and further education are required.