BAGUIO CITY – The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) has recommended the establishment of more Kadiwa stores to expand access to affordable, quality food for the public, particularly low-income households.
“Based on the profile we conducted, malaking tulong ang Kadiwa stores sa local farmers kasi natutulungan sila kumita at maibenta ang kanilang produce. At the same time, accessible din sa vulnerable sector ang mas murang produkto (Kadiwa stores help local farmers earn income from their produce while providing the vulnerable sector access to cheaper goods),” Mae Ann Javier, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Department of Science and Technology–FNRI, said during the Cordillera regional dissemination of the FNRI National Nutrition Survey.
Javier added that aside from giving communities access to affordable food, vulnerable households should also be assisted in producing vegetables and other food items, not only for their own consumption but also to improve their financial capacity.
“We would opt for sustainability, teach them how to become sufficient and to help themselves improve,” she said.
The 2023 FNRI survey results showed that among 2,176 household respondents with 6,526 individuals, more families sourced their weekly food needs from traditional outlets such as sari-sari stores, spending about PHP100 to PHP500, compared to markets, groceries, and other food sources.
The survey also revealed that 21 percent of households experienced moderate to severe food insecurity.
FNRI said ensuring affordable and available food options would help address this issue.
“We also recommend the utilization of indigenous and locally produced food or ingredients in supplementary feeding programs, adopting the farm-to-table concept,” Javier added.
The agency further pushed for stronger community-based food production to ensure sustainable access to healthy food.
The FNRI nutrition survey, conducted every five years, provides a rapid assessment of the nutrition situation of Filipinos. The 2023 results are expected to guide decision-makers in crafting data-driven programs, policies, and plans. **Liza Agoot
