The Nutribun of the 1970s was a bread borne out of good intentions. It was designed as a convenient “ready-to-eat complete meal” for public elementary school feeding programs to combat child malnutrition. Last 29 July 2020, the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) conducted the first ever online soft launching of the Enhanced Nutribun (e-Nutribun). The e-Nutribun is the enhanced version of the 1970s Nutribun formulated by DOST-FNRI considering the nutrient requirements of children.

The e-Nutribun has more micronutrients like iron and vitamin A. Its texture is softer and weighs 160-165 grams per piece, has 504 calories, 17.8 grams of protein, 6.08 milligrams of iron and 244 micrograms vitamin A. The e-Nutribun is DOST-FNRI’s answer to the call of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Memorandum Circular No. 12 Series of 2020, or the Guidelines in the Implementation of the Supplementary Feeding Program During Community Quarantine or Other Similar Emergencies.

Finally, the e-Nutribun is now in Region IX. Dipolog City Schools Division of the Department of Education officially included the e-Nutribun to Schools’ Feeding Program targeting 3,268 students in elementary. On 11 January 2021, DOST-FNRI and Dipolog-based micro enterprise, 2242 Phil. Food Co. Ltd sealed an agreement for the adoption and commercialization of the e-Nutribun. The said micro enterprise is first in the region to supply nutritious bread to school learners.

For the time being, DOST-FNRI is still accepting applications for firms who wish to become technology adopters. They are also inviting partnership with entrepreneurs in commercializing the e-Nutribun to provide nutrient-dense bread not only to children but also to the general public especially in communities with high prevalence of malnutrition in all age groups.

For more information and for interested parties, please contact Mr.  Alexis M. Ortiz, DOST-FNRI Supervising Science Research Specialist, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City.

               Telephone/Fax nos: 8837-2934

               E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

AA VI Cielo Katrina M. Mabalot

References:

1. “A history of the Nutribun” from https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/nutribun-history-a1623-20180921-lfrm

2. “E-Nutribun bread being prepared by 76 technology adoptors- Nograles” from https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057601

3. “FNRI developing enhanced Nutribun for gov’t feeding program” from https://mb.com.ph/2020/06/25/fnri-developing-enhanced-nutribun-for-govt-feeding-program/

4. “Enhanced Nutribun now available in Region IX” from https://region9.dost.gov.ph/news/910-enhanced-nutribun-now-available-in-region-ix?fbclid=IwAR2Y8hR9ZjN5tF8iyHUcewL61PygLrCYoB8KQZNdmuxlMRbG8PXQledLNQ8

5. “Enhanced Nutribun launched virtually by DOST-FNRI” from https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/programs-and-projects/news-and-announcement/792-enhanced-nutribun-launched-virtually-by-dost-fnri#:~:text=The%20Department%20of%20Science%20and,from%20different%20regions%20and%20offices.