Food Security and Nutrition
aims to transform agri-food systems comprehensively. It seeks to establish inclusive, resilient, and sustainable networks, elevating food security and nutritional standards.
The program strategically emphasizes the production and accessibility of safe, diverse, and nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
It also promotes positive community-level changes and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.
The Program and its Projects
Integrated School Nutrition Model (ISNM)
The Institutional Services Network for Malnutrition (ISNM), supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), enhances school nutrition programs. ISNM emphasizes locally adapted and sustainable agriculture practices, focusing on marginalized communities.
Integrated Nutrition Program for Preschoolers (INPP)
The Integrated Nutrition Program for Preschoolers (INPP), funded by George Sycip and Wendy O'Neil since 2014, provides holistic nutrition services to children aged 3 to 5 through child development centers (CDCs). These centers serve as local hubs for nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions, focusing on food access, nutrition, health (with an emphasis on WASH), and care.
Gulayan sa Barangay Movement (GSB)
The Gulayan sa Barangay (GSB) or community gardening initiative is a COVID-19 recovery strategy that aims to rebuild and strengthen local food systems. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, including disruptions to food supply chains, loss of income, and increased food prices, GSB provides a potential solution to create healthier and more resilient communities.
Youth Engagement Initiatives
The Youth Engagement Initiatives program has successfully promoted sustainable agriculture and nutrition among youth through various online and offline channels. Accomplishments include creating and sharing the "What's On Your Plate: A Youth Toolkit on Affordable Healthy Diets and Agrobiodiversity Conservation," establishing a Youth RIPPLES for Food Security Nutrition Facebook Group, and actively participating in World Food Day campaigns.
Crop Museum
Crop Museums in schools address declining crop diversity in the Philippines by serving as focal points for saving crop varieties and providing nutritionally relevant and climate-hardy vegetables. They also function as nurseries for surrounding schools and communities, preserving mother plants throughout the year. IIRR supports these efforts through seed collection and distribution of diversity kits.
