DSWD to source school feeding program supplies from local farmers

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is encouraging communities to buy produce from local farmers and cooperatives for its Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP).

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced that P5.18 billion has been allocated this year to provide hot meals to 1.5 million children aged 3 to 6 in child development centers and supervised neighborhood play facilities nationwide.

“‘Yung instruction ng ating Pangulo, sa ganitong programa dapat ang nakikinabang ay ‘yung mga magsasaka rin or ‘yung mga small agri coops sa lugar na iyon,” Gatchalian said in a Palace briefing.

Meals will be prepared by local government units or onsite kitchens and served over 120 days, with a possible extension to 180 days. Each meal will cost P25 and meet nutrition standards set by the National Nutrition Council.

The DSWD is urging communities to utilize the Sagip Saka Act (RA 11321), which prioritizes local farmers in the government procurement process.

Undernourished children will also receive P22 worth of fresh milk daily to boost their nutritional intake.IMT