STA. RITA -- Some 50 preschool pupils of Barangay Sta. Monica here were the beneficiaries of the feeding program organized by second district Board Member Edna David on Thursday.

David, who chairs the Provincial Board's health committee, said the event is part of the continuing program of her office to address the needs of undernourished kids in her district.

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It was found out that 45 of the said pupils were underweight and in need of additional nourishment. David said poor performance in school, even among preschool pupils, is often attributed to malnourishment.

"We conducted the feeding program coupled with a short talk to parents and teachers on ways to attain proper nourishment for the pupils. Our discussion revolved around the need to provide healthy food in the school canteen and cooking affordable and healthy food," David said.

She said they would be monitoring the weights of the said kids who would undergo the feeding program for at least a month.

David also urged school officials to partner with private groups to be able to reduce the number of undernourished kids in their respective schools.

"Kids who are properly nourished perform well in school. But we must remember that the education and well-being of students is the responsibility of the school, parents and the community," David said, adding that poor schools may seek the help of non-government organizations to assist them and defray the cost of feeding programs.