Impact of School-Based Feeding Program on Pupils Reading Performance in San Gabriel Elementary School

Abstract

This study examines the impact of a school feeding program on the reading skills of Grade IV pupils. The research hypothesizes that a well-structured and effectively implemented feeding program can enhance pupils' reading performance. Specifically, the study aims to determine how the school feeding program influences the reading performance of Grade IV pupils at San Gabriel Elementary School during the 2022-2023 school year. The study sougth to address several key questions: What is the socio-demographic profile of the pupils (age, sex, parents’ education, family income, and BMI)? What is the impact level of the school feeding program in terms of physical facilities, fund management, paraphernalia, and food preparation? What is the reading performance of the pupils? Is there a significant relationship between the pupils’ socio-demographic profile and the effectiveness of the school feeding program? Lastly, is there a significant relationship between the feeding program’s impact and reading performance? The research employs a descriptive-correlational design and involves 32 Grade IV pupils from San Gabriel Elementary School, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection instruments included a modified pupil profile survey and a school feeding program assessment, with responses measured using a 5-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Biserial Correlation, and Pearson r. Findings reveal that the pupils, all aged 9, consist of an equal number of boys and girls. Most parents had completed high school, and family incomes were typically below 9,000 pesos. Pupils generally had a normal BMI. The school feeding program was found to have an outstanding impact on both nutritional support and reading performance, with a significant correlation between program management and pupils' reading improvement. A significant relationship was also found between the socio-demographic profile and program effectiveness.