MONDELEZ Philippines, a snack company, adopted 19 public elementary schools to support students under its Joy Schools feeding program.

The 9-month feeding program helped improve the nutrition of 5,300 students.

Ashish Pisharodi, country director of Mondelez Philippines, said that the company helps the education sector to help the community.

“For us, doing what’s right means actively helping build a more diverse, inclusive and equitable world – socially and economically. We do this through our colleagues, culture, and community,” he said.

The Joy Schools program, which began in the Philippines, was also implemented by the company’s divisions in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

“What fills our hearts are the individual stories of the children who have been part of our program. There are countless accounts of children’s school attendance improving, in part to be able to receive their daily meal, which sometimes is the only full meal they can look forward to in the day,” Pisharodi said.

“How these simple but energy and nutrient-filled meals strengthen them to be much more active in class. And how their continued participation in class has improved their grades throughout the school year. These stories inspire us and keep us going. Stories of hope for a brighter outlook in life,” he added.