or many Filipino children, the chance to learn and thrive begins with a healthy meal. Recognizing this, the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF)—the social development arm of the Jollibee Group—launched the Busog-Lusog-Talino (BLT) School Feeding Program in 2007 to help address the pressing issue of child hunger and malnutrition in public schools.
Today, through the innovative BLT Central Kitchen model, the program has become a transformative force in nourishing students, empowering communities, and strengthening partnerships across the country.
A Scalable Solution to Malnutrition in Schools
The BLT Central Kitchen model was born out of a simple but powerful idea: rather than each school preparing meals individually, a centralized facility can cook and distribute safe, healthy, nutritious food to multiple schools in the area. This system not only ensures efficiency and quality but also allows the program to reach more children every day.
The program has served over 270,000 children suffering from undernutrition since its inception. In 2024 alone, the program supported over 24,000 pupils across 250 schools. JGF also signed a national agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) to further scale implementation.
Beyond filling empty stomachs, the program has contributed to improving school attendance and boosting classroom participation among beneficiaries.
Community-Driven, Sustainable Impact
A defining feature of the BLT Central Kitchens is their emphasis on community involvement and sustainability. Kitchens are typically operated by local government units and community partners, who are trained and supported by JGF. This setup not only ensures accountability but also fosters local ownership, empowering communities to take part in improving the health and education outcomes of their children.
The program also engages parents and volunteers, who often assist in meal preparation and distribution. By doing so, BLT strengthens the link between schools, families, and communities, turning the fight against malnutrition into a shared responsibility.
“Busog-Lusog-Talino Central Kitchens represent what’s possible when business, government, and communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Gisela Tiongson, President of Jollibee Group Foundation. “Our successful partnerships with DepEd and other institutions inspire us to continue building partnerships and programs that enable children to learn better and dream bigger.”
A Champion for Good
From a single feeding initiative to a nationwide movement, the BLT Central Kitchens continue to show how a simple act of nourishment can ripple into a lifetime of possibilities. As a true Champion for Good, the Jollibee Group Foundation helps advance the Jollibee Group’s sustainability agenda on People, specifically on community support, and contributes to the global call of UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. Each meal served is more than nourishment—it is hope, dignity, and a chance for a brighter future.
