Schools Are Learning to Spot Nutrition Problems Early—Here’s Why That Matters for Every Child
A new partnership between the Department of Education and Abbott is helping schools identify nutrition risks before they affect children’s health and learning, giving parents and teachers another way to support healthy growth.
Many parents think of schools as places where children learn math, reading, and science. Increasingly, they’re also becoming places where children’s health can be monitored more closely.
The Department of Education (DepEd) and Abbott have launched the Nutrition and Growth Champions Program, a new initiative that trains educators and school health personnel to recognize early signs of malnutrition. The pilot program will roll out in 100 public schools across Metro Manila, with nutrition screening expected to reach more than 70,000 children.
More than 130 teachers and school health personnel will receive specialized training to conduct twice-yearly growth screenings, identify children who may be at nutritional risk, and connect families with appropriate support before problems become more serious.
How Malnutrition Affects Education
Good nutrition is closely linked to how well children learn. When children do not receive enough essential nutrients, they may experience slower physical growth, reduced concentration, lower energy levels, and difficulties with memory and cognitive development.
According to the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), 25.3% of Filipino children under five are stunted—the first increase recorded since 2015. Stunting can affect not only height but also brain development and long-term health.
By equipping schools with the knowledge and tools to monitor children’s growth, the Nutrition and Growth Champions Program strengthens existing school nutrition efforts. Teachers and school health personnel can identify warning signs earlier, encourage conversations with parents, and recommend appropriate medical or nutritional support when necessary.
For parents, this means schools become valuable partners in keeping children healthy—not just academically successful.
A Healthier Future Starts Together
The Nutrition and Growth Champions Program reflects a growing understanding that raising healthy children requires collaboration between families, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities.
The initiative also supports Abbott’s global Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions, which has already trained more than 450 health workers and volunteers across 16 countries and helped screen over 118,000 children since 2023.
While schools can help identify nutrition concerns, parents remain at the center of a child’s healthy development. Regular health checkups, balanced meals, sufficient sleep, and open communication with teachers all play important roles in supporting children’s growth.
As the program expands, it offers a promising model for making nutrition awareness part of everyday school life. Early identification gives children a better opportunity to receive timely support—helping them stay healthier, learn better, and reach their full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a partnership between DepEd and Abbott that trains educators and school health personnel to identify nutrition risks and promote nutrition awareness in schools.
The initial rollout covers 100 public schools across Metro Manila.
Participating schools will conduct growth screenings twice each year and refer at-risk children for appropriate support.
Early detection allows families to address nutrition concerns before they significantly affect a child’s health, growth, and academic performance.
Provide balanced meals, monitor growth regularly, attend health checkups, and communicate with teachers about any health or nutrition concerns.
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