She stressed the importance of making healthy eating accessible and inexpensive to all Filipinos so that they can obtain the daily dietary intake needed to maintain physical activity and good health.
Sedantes also called on food producers, legislators, parents and other stakeholders to do their part to make these healthy and nutritious foods affordable and accessible to all.
The 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey showed that 68 percent, or 75.2 million Filipinos, cannot afford a healthy diet in 2022. The same survey also showed that last year, 2 percent or 5.3 million Filipinos suffered from severe food insecurity; 33.4%, or approximately 42 million, in a situation of moderate food insecurity; and 35% were unable to eat healthy and nutritious foods.
In Western Visayas, NNC 6, responsible for spearheading Nutrition Month every year, involves local government units in the celebration as they have direct contact with the public. The regional launch is being organized in different local government units for residents to witness and participate in the various nutrition-related activities that will be carried out.
Sedantes said the launch event in Guimaras will be marked with a cooking demonstration using recipes from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). NNC 6 Nutritionists and Barangay Nutrition Fellows will participate and pregnant and lactating women, as well as parents/guardians of children aged 0-5 years will participate.
An exhibition of vegetables and fresh products will also take place during the day to present and bring safe and quality products to make them more affordable for Guimarasnons. (AAL/LAF/PIA6 Iloilo)
