Around 1,500 day care and elementary school children at risk of malnutrition in seven provinces will receive high-zinc rice under a 90-day feeding program.
The project, called “Stronger Together: United for Children’s Nutrition, Mental Health, and Education,” will be rolled out in Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Palawan, Laguna, Cavite, Quezon, and Pangasinan. It is led by Kiwanis International–Philippine Luzon District in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice).
The program aims to help address zinc deficiency, which affects many Filipino children. The 2023 National Nutrition Survey found that two out of 10 children aged five and below are stunted. Stunting is often linked to a lack of zinc and can lead to weak immunity, frequent illness, and poor brain development.
High-zinc rice contains more zinc than regular rice but has the same taste and texture. One cup (about 150 grams) of cooked high-zinc rice can provide up to 25 percent of the daily zinc needs of preschool children. Experts say zinc helps protect children from severe diarrhea, pneumonia, and other infections.
Aside from feeding children, the partnership will promote local production of high-zinc rice and support farmer groups to ensure steady supply. Public information campaigns will also be conducted to raise awareness about the health benefits of zinc-rich rice.
Kiwanis will lead the procurement and distribution of the rice and work with local government units and volunteers. PhilRice will provide technical support to maintain the quality and supply of the rice.
Program leaders said the initiative highlights the importance of strong partnerships in fighting child hunger and malnutrition. They added that improving children’s nutrition today helps secure a healthier and brighter future for communities.
