Implementation and Effectiveness of School-Based Feeding Program in Elementary Schools of Negros Occidental, Philippines

Abstract

Introduction: School feeding programs are a key social safety net in developing nations, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 2 to achieve zero hunger. Aims: The study aimed to understand the extent of implementation, program effectiveness, and challenges faced by implementers and explored the community's role in the program. Study design: Descriptive and comparative research design Place and Duration of Study: Elementary schools in Negros Occidental, Philippines (School year (2018-2019) Methodology: 21 school heads (using total enumeration) and 160 teachers (using stratified sampling) of 21 elementary schools in Negros Occidental that have implemented the school-based feeding program from 2014-2018 participated in the study.  A researcher-made questionnaire based on DepEd Order No. 39 s. 2017 known as the Operational Guidelines on the Implementation of School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) for School Year 2017-2022 supplemented by DO # 15 s. 2018 was used to collect the data. Results: The extent of implementation of school-based feeding program as a whole (M=4.68, SD=0.28) is very high. When grouped according to designation, both school heads (M=4.82, SD=0.14) and teachers (M=4.68, SD=0.28) rated the implementation as very high.  In the areas of policy (M=4.72, SD=0.27); funding mechanism (M=4.72, SD=0.37); and support system (M=4.60, SD=0.41), the extent of implementation is very high. Conclusion: Overall, the program's effectiveness in improving students' nutritional status was high. The study found no significant difference in effectiveness based on a learner's sex, location, or previous program participation. However, there were significant differences in effectiveness when learners were grouped by age, grade, and participation in the 4Ps social welfare program.