The National Nutrition Council - NCR (NNC-NCR) through Provincial Nutrition Focal Point (PNFP) Diana Jean A. Umali met with the four (4) program areas of Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program (TK-DSP) in Metro Manila namely, the cities of Caloocan, Paranaque, and Navotas and municipality of Pateros through face-to-face and virtual meetings. The meetings were held in preparation for the 2^nd month of TK-DSP for pregnant women which will involve the distribution of hot meals to the beneficiaries.

The TK-DSP is being implemented by the National Nutrition Council as part of its COVID-19 response which aims to contribute to the reduction of hunger and prevention of stunting in children during their first two years of life. A total of 616 pregnant women in Metro Manila benefits from Phase 1 of TK-DSP which involves the daily supplementation of Enhanced Nutribun (e-nutribun) on the 1^st month, hot meals on the 2^nd month, and e-nutribun with ready-to-eat lipid-based nutritional supplement (LNS-SQ) on the 3^rd month, for a total of ninety (90) days.

After the 30-day daily distribution of e-nutribun which started on December 9, 2021, beneficiaries will be given hot meals daily consisting of iron-fortified rice, viand, and fruit. The cycle menu used for the hot meals was developed using DOST-FNRI recipes.

Face-to-face and virtual meetings with the nutritionist-dietitians and barangay nutrition scholars in the four (4) program areas were held to discuss the preparatory activities for the transition from nutribun to hot meals distribution, such as inspection of the storage and cooking facilities and equipment, scheduling/tasking of cooking, and schedule of delivery of fresh commodities among others. All fresh commodities for the hot meals will be supplied and delivered by Sto. Tomas San Luis Farmers Association Inc., an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization (ARBO) from Pampanga.

The 30-day distribution of hot meals to the beneficiaries of TK-DSP Phase 1 in Caloocan, Navotas and Pateros will be held from January 15 until February 13, 2022. Paranaque City will start their hot meals distribution at a later date due to the surge of COVID-19 cases.

Written by:
PNFP Diana Jean A. Umali and

NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo