When you think about jeepneys, you think of colorful open-air transport that ferries people from one point to another. For one international organization, the jeepney is a mode of transport to deliver meals to hunger-prone communities in the country.
Conceptualized by Rise Against Hunger Philippines (RAHP), the Kain Tayo Mobile Kitchen is as colorful as traditional jeepneys. It is even painted with motifs of the legendary Sarimanok designed by architect Deo Alam along with artist Nikko Arbilo and fashion designer RJ Santos. The initiative aims to not only feed Filipinos but also equip families with nutrition information through an education program, so they themselves can make nutritious meals and alleviate malnutrition within their households, especially among children 5 years and below.
Launched on Sept. 30 in Pasig City, the mobile kitchen can feed up to 6,000 a month. On its first stop, it benefited 100 jeepney drivers and their families in Pasig City after a vaccination program. The volunteers served arroz caldo and food packs donated by private companies.
Now in its third week, the Kain Tayo Mobile Kitchen has already reached mothers, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.
“We are grateful for the unwavering commitment of our partner organizations who continuously supported us to address the root of the nation’s concern on involuntary hunger including: challenges on food production, food distribution, and accessibility,” said RAHP’s executive director Jomar Fleras. “We hope through mobilizing the first mobile jeepney kitchen, we can encourage more organizations to provide aid to more Filipinos especially during this time of crises.”
Kain Tayo Pilipinas is the flagship program of Pilipinas Kontra Gutom, a multi-sectoral movement behind Task Force Zero Hunger, which aims to eradicate hunger in the country. It is currently accepting partnerships with companies and organizations that wish to contribute to its cause. For more information, you can email Kain Tayo Pilipinas at kaintayo@pbsp.org.ph.