The Impact of School-Based Nutrition Program on the Learner Beneficiaries of Selected Public Schools of SDO Albay

This study evaluated the impact of the School-Based Nutrition Program (SBNP), particularly the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), on the health and educational outcomes of learner-beneficiaries in selected public schools under the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Albay. Anchored on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD), and the Nutrition–Cognitive Development framework, the research examined how improved nutrition supports children’s physical growth, cognitive functioning, and academic performance. It also assessed program implementation in terms of manpower complement, beneficiary coverage, fund utilization, and nutrition product specifications, identified best practices, and proposed an operational model to strengthen program sustainability. The study utilized a mixed-methods design combining retrospective quantitative data from School Years 2022–2023 to 2024–2025 and qualitative insights gathered through interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data included Body Mass Index (BMI), attendance, and General Weighted Average (GWA), which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the program is implemented through a structured, policy-driven, and participatory framework characterized by collaborative manpower, data-driven beneficiary targeting, transparent financial management, and adherence to standardized nutrition and food safety guidelines. Best practices included evidence-based identification of beneficiaries, active School Nutrition Committees, and localized procurement of fresh food. Results showed statistically significant improvements in both health and academic outcomes, with mean BMI increasing from 15.82 to 17.43 and mean GWA improving from 82.14 to 86.02 over three school years (p < .001). Overall, the findings confirmed that sustained nutrition interventions positively influence learners’ physical growth and academic performance.