Malnutrition is a growing problem with children worldwide. It occurs when the body does not get the right amount of the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. What’s quite alarming is that it begins not when the baby is born but from the time when a child is growing in the mother’s womb. Apparently, more women who are anemic are prone to having kids that are malnourished and are more likely to get sick.
In the Philippines, the National Statistics Office reports that the population of the “0-14 years old” age group in the country is now over 30 million, while the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the DOST states that at least 5 million children are malnourished. By quick calculation, 17% is a staggering number that shows the issue is closer to home than we think.
Hearing the bad news, many groups and foundations in the Philippines are encouraged to partner up and help one another to fulfill a common goal—and that is to not only supply food for families but also provide them with the right knowledge on how to prepare meals and nutritious dishes that promote good healthy. Sustenance is key to solid living. Everyone should learn and be empowered to appreciate the importance of having a balanced diet.
Knorr’s “Lutong Nanay” Nutrition Program Battles Malnutrition
To form part of the solution, Knorr teamed up with Kabisig ng Kalahi for Metro Manila’s leg of the initiative to build a sustainable nutrition program that goes beyond simply distributing food. With simple, easy to follow healthy meals, moms got to learn to provide their kids with delicious and nutritious dishes.
Knorr recently visited two barangays in Smokey Mountain, Barangay 101 and Barangay 128, with its ambassadors. Dimples Romana, Danica Sotto-Pingris and Sari Jorge joined forces to help educate moms and children the importance of a healthy diet for the family. Over a meal of afritada, they also shared their personal experiences, cooking secrets and how they entice their kids to eat a healthy, balanced meal with the help of Knorr.
“It was a beautiful experience na makasama ang katulad kong Knorr Lutong Nanay moms together with our children in sending out a message to all the other Filipino moms like us to join in our fight against malnutrition,” said Dimples Romana.
Meanwhile, ambassadors Carmina Villaroel and Chesca Kramer joined Knorr at the Cardinal Sin Village. Mothers and children collectively learned the importance of a vigorous diet for the family. The program was a good exchange of insights, experience and learnings not only from the ambassador, but from resident mothers as well.
“Feeding our families nutritious food doesn’t have to be expensive. What’s important is that we give them a well-balanced meal every day,” says Carmina Villaroel.
As the theme of sharing experiences and learnings continued, one mother shared, “Ngayon, kaya ko nang magluto ng pagkain na hindi lang masarap, masustansya pa.” Another participant shared how she realized the importance of preparing healthier meals for her family by incorporating vegetables in their meal plan unlike before, where they usually prepare meals with minimal consideration to nutritional value.
Wrap Up
With the help of Knorr’s Lutong Nanay nutrition program, more and more moms are inspired, motivated and informed about how important it is to serve healthy meals for their family. It’s a long way to go but Knorr’s ongoing program is a big step towards fighting malnutrition in Filipino children.
Knorr continues to empower Filipinos to cook flavorful, nutritious and affordable meals everyday. It emphasizes that moms are the pillars to help alleviate malnutrition. Together, Knorr’s Lutong Nanay dishes and moms can diminish this issue that affects so many Filipinos, one mom-cooked meal at a time.
Lutong Nanay Nutrition Program Food Fair
To take an active role in alleviating malnutrition, join Knorr and its partners for the first Lutong Nanay Nutrition Program Food Fair:
Knorr Lutong Nanay Food Fair
Saturday, 24 October 2015 at 4:30 PM
Mercato Centrale, 7th Ave cor. 25th St.
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Proceeds will go to the Knorr Lutong Nanay Nutrition Program and its partners, World Food Program and Kabisig.
To know more about this cause and join us in helping alleviate malnutrition in the Philippines, visit www.knorr.com.ph and follow Knorr Philippines on social media:
https://instagram.com/knorrph/
https://twitter.com/knorrph
https://www.facebook.com/KnorrPhilippines
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
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