The study investigated the effects of the School-based Feeding Program (SBFP) on the academic performance of pupils at the Fourth Estate Elementary School, Paranaque City. Malnutrition seems consistently tenacious in developing countries and the SBFP serves as a promising interventional solution of the government to address these nutritional deficiencies among the public-school pupils. Employing a descriptive research design, 665 SBFP recipients, Kindergarten to Grade 6 pupils, took part in this study. Demographics such as pupils’ profiles, nutritional status and their academic performance from first to fourth quarters were obtained and analyzed. Results revealed that majority of the research participants were considered as wasted and severely wasted, with Body Mass Index (BMI) records displaying significant improvement after undertaking the feeding program. Notable academic progress was demonstrated, specifically with decreased number of pupils who fell the lowest grade brackets (70-75) and likewise increased number of pupils who fell the grade brackets (86-91+). Findings suggested that consistent and sustained implementation of SBFP may have had positive influences both the physical health and scholastic achievement of the pupils. On the contrary, challenges such as inconsistent program management, parents’ participation and sustainability of nutritional gains remain evident. Based on the results of the study, several recommendations and research directions were provided.
Morales et al. (Thu,) studied this question.