Young professionals, educators and entrepreneurs in Cebu and their international partners launched the Simply Share Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to fighting hunger and undernourishment among children in the Philippines.
“In spite of the surge of the economy in recent years, there is still a lot that needs to be done to eliminate hunger and undernutrition, help improve access to food items, and raise awareness on proper nutrition especially to children of the poorest of the poor,” said Pamela To, Simply Share founder and executive director.
Citing a Freedom from Hunger study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations that there are 15 million undernourished children all over the Philippines, Simply Share called on individuals and institutions to share their talents, time and resources for the hungry.
The foundation revealed during the launching its aim to form a Food Bank Council of Cebu, a network of organizations, institutions and volunteers that will provide services to undernourished children and other vulnerable populations.
Through the group, feeding programs and other targeted and sustainable interventions to help alleviate hunger and poverty will be institutionalized.
A “Covenant of Sharing” was signed between the Simply Share Foundation and partners that included the National Nutrition Council (NNC), Cebu City Marriott Hotel, Rotary International, University of San Carlos Extension Service, JCI Cebu and Agriaqua Sustainable Farming Philippines.
“Helping soothe the hunger of less fortunate Filipino children will ultimately redound to a more solid foundation for economic growth. We must renew their hope in life and build their capacity to help in nation-building. We have the social responsibility not to leave anyone behind,” said To.
Simply Share Foundation also encourages more organizations and institutions, especially hotel and restaurant associations, food processing and grocery sectors, professional organizations, civic organizations and student councils to sign the covenant.
NNC regional coordinator Letlet Mision said the foundation will identify areas with high incidence of malnutrition and will work with local officials in conducting a feeding program for undernourished children and lactating mothers for a minimum period of four months.
“Addressing malnutrition is best especially if it starts at the womb of a mother,” Mission said.
Simply Share’s lead donors Connie Kristine Keppler and Leonard Achan, both healthcare executives from Mount Sinai Health System in New York City and Singapore Management University Prof. Brian To graced the event last Tuesday.
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