Food supplement for poor launched
By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 12:48:00 05/13/2008
Filed Under: Food, rice problem, Food
MANILA, Philippines -- In response to the twin problems of malnutrition and hunger in the country, a non-government organization and Church group have launched a food supplement for the growing number of Filipinos who find themselves in such a situation.
The Center for Community Work and People’s Development (CCWD) and Caritas Manila introduced to the public on Tuesday Nutrimeal, which is made from vegetables and rice, and contains nutrients beneficial to the body.
CCWD Project Officer Lolit Reyes said Nutrimeal was the group’s response to the food crisis.
“The 25 percent malnutrition rate that the government has documented prior to today’s food security problem is indeed alarming and has been growing in number everyday…instead of offering P5 billion dole-out funds to poor Filipino families, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo must think of how to resolve the very basic problem of malnutrition, hunger, and poverty,” Reyes said.
Reyes said that Nutrimeal has been approved by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) and its ingredients include rice, mongo beans, carrots, sesame seeds, and horse radish. Protein, carbohydrates, and beta carotene are the nutrients derived from these ingredients, she added.
“Vegetables are peeled, sliced, and dried in the solar panels and were brought to the kitchen where they may be ground, diced, or shredded according to the needs of the products. The processed rice and beans are then stored in the bins and packed,” Reyes said.
Caritas Manila Executive Director Fr. Anton Pascual said that one tablespoon of Nutrimeal mixed with any meal was enough to supply children with important nutrients all day.
“Pwede ito ihalo sa lahat ng ulam at mainam na supplement ito para sa mga bata [This can be mixed with all kinds of dishes and is a good supplement for children],” Pascual said.
Reyes said that Nutrimeal could help alleviate the micro-nutrient deficiencies of children such as iron deficiency anemia, protein energy malnutrition, and iodine deficiency.
Nutrimeal would be sold at P70 per 100 grams in village halls and churches, Reyes said, but added that that they would also coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) and NGOs to distribute Nutrimeal to the public markets.
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