Lived Experiences of the Beneficiaries and Stakeholders on School-based Feeding Program in Selected Public Elementary Schools: Basis for the Development of an Action Plan

Abstract

This study dwells on the lived experiences of parents, teachers, school leaders, and program implementers of the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP) in selected public elementary schools in Los Baños, Laguna. Using a phenomenographic approach, it looked into insights that shaped a practical and community-driven action plan. Four key themes emerged: (1) Stakeholder roles- teachers, administrators, and parents worked together to implement and monitor the program; (2) Enabling factors- collaboration, volunteerism, nutrition and hygiene education improved program delivery; (3) Challenges- budget delays, logistics issues, limited engagement, and misaligned schedules affected sustainability; and (4) Lived Experience and Recommendations- routine health checks, stronger partnerships, improved infrastructure, and policy support were suggested. Guided by the WFP-UNICEF Theory of Change, the study reveals that school feeding programs thrive not only through policy but also through people, when communities are empowered, voices are heard. Support systems work together to achieve better nutrition and learning for all children.