DSWD expands child nutrition program with 180 feeding days in 2026

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 7 has stepped up efforts to support the growth of beneficiary children. A key focus has been the Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP), which began planning in December 2025 for its 2026 rollout. The initiative aims to improve child nutrition and learning capacity through extended feeding days and better resources. Preparations for the SFP started in late 2025, with planning sessions laying the groundwork for the following year. On February 5, 2026, an intensive orientation took place at Cebu City Hall, gathering program workers and daycare staff from Cebu City to discuss new guidelines and anthropometric procedures.

Between March 3 and 6, 2026, a workshop in Cagayan de Oro City focused on developing a Case Management Tool for the program. Further training continued in April, with an online session on April 16-17 to enhance the Manual of Operations and finalise the SFP Monitoring and Evaluation Tool.

To secure food supplies, bidding for Alternative Meals and Ready-to-Eat items occurred on April 14, 2026. The next day, a separate bidding process for grocery items ensured the nutritional quality and safety of the meals. The feeding days under the program have now increased from 120 to 180, offering children more consistent access to food.

The first day of feeding is set for June 22, 2026. Capacity-building initiatives have remained ongoing to strengthen the program’s delivery and impact. The expanded feeding intervention will provide children with more regular nutrition. This is expected to improve their health, boost their ability to learn, and support their overall development. The DSWD has confirmed these changes as part of its commitment to beneficiary welfare.