In a move to combat hunger, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced that the ‘Walang Gutom’ (No Hunger) Kitchen in Pasay City welcomes everyone without any verification process. ‘Everyone is welcome because no one wants to be hungry and everyone needs help,’ Gatchalian stated during an interview on PTV-4’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. Although no verification is required, basic information will be collected for monitoring purposes from those who wish to partake in the free meals.
The ‘Walang Gutom’ Kitchen, which opened on December 16, 2024, is a pioneering collaboration between public and private sectors, aiming to tackle involuntary hunger and minimize food waste. It transforms surplus food donated by hotels, restaurants, and organizations into nutritious meals for those in need. Since its inception, over 10,000 individuals have benefited from the hot, healthy food provided by the kitchen.
Located in the Nasdake Building, previously a hub for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators in Pasay City, the kitchen has been supported by around 200 private volunteers who help maintain daily operations. The facility strives to serve at least 600 meals daily for breakfast and lunch, continuing until supplies are exhausted.
Looking ahead to 2025, Gatchalian revealed plans to expand the initiative by opening more soup kitchens across the country. ‘We know that in different places, there is still a lot of food wastage. We want to ensure that no food goes to waste and that it reaches those who need it,’ he emphasized, highlighting the ongoing issue of food waste and the need for effective distribution to the hungry.