Published on July 2026 | Education, Leadership and Management, School Health, Support Program

Evaluating School Health and Nutrition Programs and Their Influence on School Performance: A Basis for Supplemental Support Program

This study sought to determine the influence of school health and nutrition programs on overall school performance. The findings are summarized as follows: the majority of teacher-respondents were female, married, and between 41 and 50 years old. Most came from small- to medium-sized households, had earned master’s degree units, and identified as Catholic. Nearly half of the respondents served both as EPP teachers and canteen managers or coordinators. Regarding the extent of program implementation, teacher-respondents expressed strong agreement with the delivery of the School-Based Feeding (SBF), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Health Education (RHEP), and Medical, Dental, and Nursing (MDN) programs. Similarly, the National Drug Education Program (NDEP) was rated as "very present" in their schools. In terms of institutional outcomes, the participating schools received an "outstanding" rating during the validation of their Office Performance Commitment and Review Form (OPCRF). When examining differences in implementation, no significant variations were found across most School-Based Health and Nutrition Programs. However, notable exceptions included the RHEP, which showed significant differences based on sex, and the NDEP, which varied significantly according to marital status. Furthermore, the study established that School Health and Nutrition Programs significantly influence school performance. Based on these findings, a school-based support program is proposed for adoption to strengthen current practices and sustain positive outcomes.