Mission on Nutrition

Nutrition, indeed is a massive aspect of one’s life as it affects the entire body’s healing, growth, and function.

I remember my elementary days when I would skip breakfast every day as I was rushing to school and even neglect my lunch to save some money. I would feel faint, and the new information during class would not process in my mind as it was supposed to. One lesson enters in one ear and out the other. Ideas would form so slowly, like how an online video with slow internet connection would buffer. I was unaware that it was due to a lack of proper nutrients and minerals in the body. Months passed, and I continued to struggle. I eventually got sick and had to replenish the vitality I had lost. My mom questioned me then about my eating habits at lunch and was disappointed with the news. She then ensured that I would wake up earlier than usual so I wouldn’t skip breakfast to rush to school. She also told me that meals should be valued, especially for a growing kid whose body is still developing and mind is constantly being used in school. The well-being of children is important because they will be the ones making the decisions in the near future; thus, nutrition is essential.

I have recently visited the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center (ANC) in Fatima St. and discovered that even with a lot of food being prepared for multiple children, sometimes it still was not enough. The center feeds once a day. Most kids, on average, only eat around two meals a day, and with a growing body, the nutrition intake is clearly insufficient. Nutrition is a significant impact on the mind, and proper food intake can help in the development of the brain.

My visit at ANC allowed me to get information on the different activities they have as well as their plans in putting up a new building at Talomo. Sister Violeta, LGC mentioned that a lot was donated by the Francisco Family through the Francisco Village Homeowners Association in Talomo. The lot was donated to the archdiocese which already has a covered court in place. There they conduct a weekly feeding for malnourished children per purok. After the MOA signing last March 26, ANC already began searching for those children who are malnourished and feeding them. Even though they still lacked fixtures like chairs and tables, this did not hinder them in pursuing the mission.

Although the diocese through ANC is still waiting for donations for construction they have not forgotten the plans of a holistic formation for the children, which includes scholarships, catechism and values formation activities not only for them but also for their mothers. The building is designed to have offices, kitchen and a session hall. There is still a lot that is needed to be purchased beginning with the most basic materials for construction like sand and gravel, wood, iron and other materials. However, the urgent need are chairs and tables to smoothly conduct the feedings. Sr. Violy, in-charge also mentioned that sponsors for the feedings are also very much welcome.

Another feeding they conduct is at the dumpsite located at Brgy. New Carmen, Tugbok District where the DXGN Spirit FM team was able to visit. There are 300 children beneficiaries included in the feeding which happens on Wednesdays to Saturdays weekly. Right now, the area where they conduct these feedings is only temporary because the government plans to make it into another landfill as an expansion.

These feedings and apostolate of the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center is indeed a big help to these families who are not able to provide for their own daily meals due to poverty. Not only do they provide daily meals but a continuous and holistic formation. Because of this, I have really realized how blessed I am to have good nutrition in my household. (Yvana Sulit | DCHerald)