Last October 24, I attended the launch of Knorr’s Lutong Nanay Nutrition Program at Mercato Centrale in BGC. The timing of the launch couldn’t be more perfect as they launched it in time for World Food Day.
Anyway, we all know that malnutrition is a big problem around the world. But we need not look around the world to see it because it’s a big problem here in our country too. The Food Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the DOST says that there are at least 5 million malnourished children in the Philippines. Obviously, poverty is causing this but did you know that the lack of knowledge on nutrition amongst Filipinos is contributing to this predicament as well?
Knorr believes that malnutrition can be addressed when adequate knowledge is gained by the family’s primary influencer when it comes to nutrition – the moms (of course!), which is how the Lutong Nanay Nutrition Program was born.
The Lutong Nanay Nutrition Program aims to make nutritious meals accessible and sustainable for every child to grow by educating and empowering their mothers, the key influencer of the child’s nutrition . Knorr continues on with its long- term commitment to alleviate malnutrition in the country through a 3-step model of Feed, Teach and Make It Last.
- In Feed, Knorr continues its wide-scale feeding programs with its school-based and community-based programs, through its partnership with World Food Programme & Kabisig ng Kalahi.
- With Teach, Knorr provides recipe booklets to key barangays teaching moms not only affordable & nutritious dishes they can prepare at home but also the value of nutrition. The recipes developed are suitable for a family of 3 to 5 and are all below 100 pesos.
- In Make It Last, Knorr champions supporting moms in setting up their own businesses via a livelihood development module.
With the program’s 3- step model, the program is not just able to feed children but it is made sustainable by addressing two main drivers of malnutrition, the lack of education on proper nutrition and budget, through its Teach and Make It Last phases.
Through its partnerships with the World Food Programme and Kabisig ng Kalahi, Knorr has aided 600,000 malnourished children in various barangays and communities.
During the event, we were also introduced to some of their program ambassadors namely, Danica Sotto-Pingris, Dimples Romana and Delamar Arias, who all shared their experiences when they took part in the immersion program with some of the communities. As moms themselves, they understand the value of nutrition and how mothers play a big role in the health of their children.
After the program, I went around to check out the food being served at Mercato that night. Knorr partnered up with some of the merchants there to feature at least one Lutong Nanay meal.
The place was packed and I wasn’t able to try as much as I wanted, which was too bad because there were a lot available, including sisig, bagnet, shawarma, lechon, etc.
But I was able to try this pasta dish, which was yummy by the way.
And I was able to try this ice cream too, which was really, really good!
I think Knorr is doing such a great job with the campaign so far and I wish them more success. To know more about how you can help support the Lutong Nanay Nutrition Program, visit www.knorr.com.ph and follow Knorr Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.