Supplementary Feeding Program: A Case Study of Children’s Growth and Parent’s Participation in an NCDC Barangay in Misamis Oriental

Abstract

The Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) is recognized as a vital community-based intervention that promotes improved nutritional status among young children while fostering parental involvement in early childhood development. This study examined the operationalization of the SFP in practice, the extent of family participation, and its effects on children’s growth outcomes in a barangay under the National Child Development Center (NCDC) in the locality of Misamis Oriental, using a qualitative case study design. Key participants, including parents or caregivers, a Child Development Worker (CDW), a Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS), and a Barangay Health Worker (BHW), were purposively selected to provide comprehensive insights. Data were gathered through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and document analysis conducted within the community. The collected data were transcribed, validated through member checking, and systematically analyzed to generate codes, categories, and seven themes emerged from the data collected. Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) significantly contributed to improvements in children’s health, behavior, and school participation in terms of (1) Collaborative Engagement, (2) Engagement in Nutrition and Sanitary Practices, (3) Physical Health Enhancement, and (4) School Engagement Improvement reflect the participants’ experiences and interpretations. These were the types of how the Supplementary Feeding Program was structured, the amount of parenting activity, and the influences on the nutritional status and growth in children. It brings attention to how parents, caregivers, and barangay staff were involved and faced challenges to make the program work. In addition, the themes give better insight into how the feeding program benefits children’s development, encourages parental buy-in, and facilitates collaboration in the community. They also indicate pre-existing problems and possible weaknesses in the application of the Supplementary Feeding Program in the barangay. The study highlights parental involvement the importance of strengthening parent’s participation, enhancing continuous nutrition education, and reinforcing support from local government units and partner organizations to ensure sustainable and effective program implementation. These findings may inform interventions, policies, and programs aimed enhancing the nutritional well-being of the children enrolled in the centers.