Apart from food provisions, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Walang Gutom Kitchen hosts nutrition education sessions to provide holistic support to the food bank beneficiaries.

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is so the agency spokesperson, the nutrition literacy sessions were rolled out to promote dietary diversity and healthy lifestyle choices, particularly to the children clientele of the newly-launched kitchen.

“We started the sessions just yesterday , and we have so far accommodated 40 children,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

Another nutrition education session by the Walang Gutom Program (WGP) personnel was also held on Friday (December 20).

The initiative was lifted from WGP where beneficiaries are required to attend nutrition education sessions once a month to remain eligible for the food assistance.

Now practiced in the Walang Gutom Kitchen, the nutrition education sessions will soon be complemented by other interactive activities such as distribution of advocacy materials, responsible parenting sessions, and recreational activities.

“We designed these activities to ensure that while our kitchen will be open to everyone in need, it wouldn’t be reduced into a dole-out program,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.

“As we prioritize the social welfare of our kababayans, we, of course, also consider the need to empower them to make informed and responsible choices for their own good,” the DSWD spokesperson added.

Launched on December 16, the Walang Gutom Kitchen is the DSWD’s latest innovative program that offers holistic solutions to homelessness and hunger.

Its primary clientele are children, individuals, and families in street situations and other Filipinos experiencing involuntary hunger.

Apart from addressing involuntary hunger, the kitchen also prevents food wastage, as its food will be sourced from donations from the private sector such as restaurants, fast food outlets and hotels.

Not “pagpag”

As for the source of the food being served at the kitchen, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian earlier emphasized that the meals are clean and safe to eat.

“Malinis itong mga pagkain na prepared sa mga hotel, restaurant, fast food na hindi nagalaw at all. Hindi ito akala ng iba na ‘pagpag’ kung tawagin,” the DSWD chief said during the launching of the Walang Gutom Kitchen last December 16.

“Kaysa itapon, ibigay na lang sa food bank natin sa Walang Gutom Kitchen para araw-araw mula 6:00 am, hanggang may supply tayo, tuloy-tuloy ang daloy ng mga tao na nagugutom para mabigyan natin ng libreng pagkain,” Secretary Gatchalian explained.

The DSWD spokesperson said the agency welcomes food donations like sealed snacks, ingredients, freshly-cooked meals, and non-food items essential to the operation of the kitchen, such as dishwashing liquids, among other cleaning agents.

The kitchen also opens its doors to individuals who are willing to render volunteer service and help out with its operation. (LSJ)