DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program for Filipino Children

Did you know that there is a DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program? This DSWD program provides free supplemental food to undernourished pre-school children in areas with high malnutrition rates. If you are interested in enrolling your child in the program, or if you would like more information, keep reading!

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) started the supplementary feeding program in response to the escalating malnutrition problems in the Philippines. The program provides support through a daily feeding program for children enrolled in day care centers.

Children enrolled in daycare centers, parents, and caregivers can benefit from the feeding program by improving their nutrition and health knowledge, attitudes, and practices. It also seeks to improve and sustain the nutritional status of all target children and refer them to health units for medical and nutrition-related problems of children.

What is the DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program?

The Supplementary Feeding Program is a program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that provides supplementary food to children enrolled in daycare centers. The aim of the program is to contribute to the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program of the government.

The SFP consists of three components: food supplements, nutrition education, and health services. The food supplement is provided in the form of rice or corn-soya blend, fortified with vitamins and minerals. A minimum of five (5) and a maximum of seven (7) days a week for 120 days, children will receive the food supplements in the form of hot meals and alternate meals during snack or lunchtime.

The nutrition education component aims to develop the knowledge and skills of caregivers in preparing nutritious meals for children. It also promotes breastfeeding and complementary feeding.

The health services component provides deworming services and monthly monitoring of the growth and development of participating children.

There are two types of malnutrition: undernutrition and overweight. Undernutrition includes stunting, wasting, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, and low birth weight.

Wasting is defined as a low weight-for-height; stunting is defined as a low height-for-age; low birthweight is defined as a weight below 2,500 grams at birth; vitamin A deficiency is defined as serum retinol levels below 20 micrograms per deciliter; iron deficiency anemia is defined as hemoglobin levels below 12 grams per deciliter; iodine deficiency disorder is defined as urinary iodine levels below 100 micrograms per liter.

Obesity is classified as overweight. It occurs when there is an excess of body fat. Overweight is defined as a weight-for-height greater than or equal to two standard deviations above the median height-for-age for children aged 5-19 years old; obesity is defined as a weight-for-height greater than or equal to three standard deviations above the median weight-for-height for children aged 5 -19 years old.

Objectives Of The Program

• The specific objectives of the supplementary feeding program are as follows:
• To provide augmentation support through a daily feeding program for children in day care centers.
• Through intensified nutrition and health education, children enrolled in daycare centers, their parents, and caregivers can improve their knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
• To improve and sustain the nutritional status of all target children and refer to health units medical and nutrition related problems of children.

Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to improve their nutrition knowledge and practices through the program and supplementary feeding.

To do this, capacity building activities such as parenting seminars, cooking demonstrations, and small group discussions are conducted on a regular basis. These activities aim to promote positive dietary changes and healthy eating habits among program beneficiaries.

Target Beneficiaries Of The Program

The following are the target beneficiaries of DSWD’s supplementary feeding program:

• malnourished preschoolers aged 3-5 years old
• children at risk of becoming malnourished or those who are underweight for their age but are not yet malnourished as identified by Local government officials/staff, health workers or teachers
• Caregivers or parents/primary guardians must give consent for their child/ward to participate in the program.

Once a child is deemed eligible for participation in the program by a health worker or LGU staff, he/she shall be included in the list of enrollees submitted by the Day Care Worker (DCW) to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO).

He/She shall be given a Supplementary Feeding Identification Card (SFIC) which must be presented every time he/she avail of meals under the program.

If a child’s nutritional status improves such that he/she is no longer malnourished or at risk of malnutrition as per assessment done by health workers, his/her name shall be dropped from the list.

Implementation Arrangement

The administrative cost for managing this project shall not exceed 5%of the total approved budget for this purpose.

This project shall be implemented within 120 days from receipt hereof provided that no force majeure event occurs.

Any change in this Implementing Arrangement not involving increase in cost and/or increase/decrease in any quantity specified herein shall not need prior approval from COA.

However, any deviation from this Implementing Arrangement resulting to increase in costs higher than 5%of total approved budget as well as increase/decrease on any other item specified herein shall need prior approval from COA.

Documentary Standards

The Local Chief Executive has approved the project proposal (LCE)

Detailed Beneficiaries Masterlist

Baseline and final nutritional status reports, as well as the original, signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Video: DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program

DSWD’s Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) provides food to children who are enrolled in daycare and their normal diets as part of the government’s Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program. Watch the video for more details.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is committed to providing the necessary assistance to ensure that no Filipino family will go hungry, especially during these trying times. Through the Supplementary Feeding Program, malnourished children are given nutritious food so they can grow up healthy and strong. If you would like to help in this effort, you may contact the DSWD or any of its partner agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are The Examples Of Supplementary Feeding?

Supplementary feeding is the process of giving additional food to children who are not getting enough from their usual diet. It can be used to treat an existing nutritional deficiency or to prevent one from developing.

There are many different ways to provide supplementary feeding, and the most effective approach will vary depending on the individual child’s needs. Common examples include providing nutrient-rich snacks, fortifying staple foods with essential vitamins and minerals, or offering a specialized diet plan that takes into account the child’s unique nutritional needs.

2. What Are The Objectives Of Supplementary Feeding?

One of the key objectives of supplementary feeding for children is to reduce the incidence of malnutrition. Another objective of supplementary feeding is to promote breastfeeding.

Breast milk is the perfect source of nutrition for infants and young children, and it provides many health benefits that cannot be replicated by formula or other food sources. Finally, supplementary feeding programs can also help to reduce food insecurity. For families living in poverty, access to nutritious food is often limited.

3. When Should A Child Be Given A Supplementary Diet?

A supplementary diet is an important part of a child’s development. It can help to improve their health and well-being, and can also provide them with the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly.

However, there are a few things to consider before giving a child a supplementary diet. First, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to ensure that the child is ready for a supplementary diet. Second, the diet should be tailored to the individual child’s needs. And finally, the diet should be introduced gradually, so as not to overwhelm the child’s system.

4. What are the eligibility requirements for the DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program?

In order to be eligible for the DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program, a child must be enrolled in a daycare center and have a documented history of malnutrition. Priority will be given to children who are living in poverty or who have been affected by natural disasters or armed conflict.

5. How much food will the child receive through the DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program?

The child will receive a balanced diet that is tailored to their individual nutritional needs. This diet will include essential vitamins and minerals, as well as protein and carbohydrates.

6. What should I do if I am interested in enrolling my child in the DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program?

If you would like to enroll your child in the DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program, please contact your local DSWD office or partner agency.

Summary

The DSWD Supplementary Feeding Program is committed to ensuring that no Filipino child goes hungry. Through this program, malnourished children are given nutritious food so they can grow up healthy and strong. If you would like to help in this effort, you may contact the DSWD or any of its partner agencies.