Hunger in the Classroom: Maya’s Story from La Union
In a rural classroom in La Union, Philippines, a young girl named Maya sat quietly at her desk, her stomach empty and her thoughts clouded by hunger. Her teacher, who had once praised her for her curiosity, noticed the change. Maya had become distracted, withdrawn, and sleepy during lessons.
The cause was painfully simple: she was hungry.
Maya’s family, like many in the farming communities of the Philippines, struggled to afford daily meals. Breakfast was often skipped, and lunch was a question mark. Going to school without food wasn’t an exception for Maya – it was the norm. Her hunger made learning nearly impossible.
The Impact of Hunger on Education
The school feeding program in the Philippines exists because children like Maya need more than books and classrooms to succeed. Numerous studies including those from UNICEF and the Department of Education Philippines (DepEd) have shown that hunger negatively impacts:
- School attendance
- Focus and memory
- Emotional well-being
- Physical development
- Academic retention
In rural regions like La Union, where seasonal labour and unpredictable income are common, undernourishment is a widespread issue.
A Simple Meal That Changed Everything
Maya’s life began to change when her school was chosen to participate in the Sibayan Calica Foundation’s school feeding program in the Philippines. Every day at lunchtime, Maya and her classmates received a hot, nutritious meal – simple dishes like rice with vegetables or fish soup.
Within a few weeks, the difference was clear:
- Maya arrived early to class
- Her energy levels improved
- She began helping classmates with reading
- Her attention span grew longer
- She smiled more often
At home, her mother saw changes too. Maya became more talkative and helped care for her siblings with renewed energy.
Why School Meals Matter
In many parts of the country, a school meal can be the tipping point between education and dropping out. The school feeding program in the Philippines addresses more than hunger – it helps keep students in school and learning.
Benefits include:
- Higher attendance – Children are more likely to go to school if a meal is guaranteed.
- Improved academic performance – A well-fed brain learns better.
- Reduced family burden – One less meal for parents to worry about.
- Increased community trust – Schools become centres of care, not just education.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), school meals are among the most effective ways to support education and childhood development.
Inside the Sibayan Calica Foundation’s Program
The Sibayan Calica Foundation launched its feeding program in response to the growing number of students affected by food insecurity in La Union. The program is part of the foundation’s larger mission to support education, nutrition, and well-being in rural communities.
Key features of the program include:
- Daily hot meals prepared with help from school staff and local volunteers
- Locally sourced ingredients to support nearby farmers
- Focus on vulnerable students, including those from low-income and single-parent households
- Tracking progress by coordinating with teachers to monitor academic and health improvements
In addition to meals, the foundation provides school supplies and transportation assistance such as bicycle donations for students who live far from school.
Maya’s New Beginning
Maya, once too tired to learn, is now full of life and optimism. She’s actively participating in class, dreaming of becoming a teacher, and inspiring her peers.
The daily lunch she receives may seem like a small thing, but it’s had a life-changing effect. It gave her the strength to focus, the nourishment to grow, and the confidence to believe in her future.
Support the Journey
Every $100 can fund one child’s daily school meals for several months – keeping them nourished, focused, and in school.
➡️Donate to Our School Feeding Program
Your support helps children like Maya thrive, not just survive.
Disclaimer: Maya’s story is based on real experiences supported by the Sibayan Calica Foundation, but names and some details have been changed to protect privacy.
