In Cordova, Cebu, 10,000 fortified meals are set to reach public school students who need more than a classroom to learn well. They also need enough nutritious food to grow, stay healthy, and keep up with school.
The meals were prepared by 60 FedEx volunteers from Clark who joined Rise Against Hunger Philippines in a packaging activity held during Purple Week as part of the FWS Day of Service. The initiative is expected to provide nutritional support to around 166 public school students for at least 120 days.
Each meal bag contains rice, dehydrated soy, dehydrated vegetables or fruits, flavoring mix, and micronutrient powder fortified with 18 essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients support healthy growth, cognitive development, immune function, and overall well-being.
The effort comes as child malnutrition remains a serious concern in the Philippines. The Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute reported in its 2025 Updating Survey that stunting among Filipino children under five rose to 25.3%, or about one in four children. It was the first increase recorded since 2015.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential, and proper nutrition is an important foundation for that journey,” said Maribeth Espinosa, managing director of FedEx Philippines.
The Cebu activity builds on an earlier partnership between FedEx and Rise Against Hunger Philippines, which provided 3,600 meals to Aeta communities in Pampanga.
For the children receiving these meals, the effort offers something practical that can carry into the classroom and beyond. A meal may seem simple, but regular access to nutritious food can help give children the energy and nutrients they need each day.
FedEx and Rise Against Hunger Philippines show what can happen when companies and nonprofit groups put volunteers, resources, and a clear community need together. Other organizations, schools, community groups, and even circles of friends can take inspiration from the effort and find their own way to help put nutritious food within reach of children and families who need it.
