By Hali Moore
Coconuts Staff Writer
For many families in Cambanac, ensuring children have enough to eat is a daily struggle.
“Too many kids in our barangay are still hungry after lunch or dinner,” says Lerma Moore, Councilwoman and General Manager of the Bohol Coconuts Baseball & Softball Club. “It’s a quiet problem, but it’s real.”
To tackle this issue head-on, the Bohol Coconuts Club is launching a groundbreaking Youth Lunch Program, providing students with a complete, hot lunch for only 20 pesos per day—just 100 pesos for the entire school week.
“This isn’t just about sports; it’s about our children’s basic well-being,” Lerma states. “How can they focus on school or enjoy playing baseball if their stomachs are empty?”
How the Program Works:
Every school day morning at 7:00 a.m., youth members can pick up their prepared lunch at the Coconuts Soup Kitchen. Each lunch includes:
One Soup of the Day: A rotating, protein-rich soup to build strength.
One Vegetable Dish: A daily serving of healthy local vegetables.
One Pancit Noodle Dish: Choose between Pancit Canton or Pancit Bihon, both packed with veggies.
Students bring their own rice from home, keeping costs incredibly low.
Weekly Lunch Menu:
Monday: Pork Sinigang Soup
Tuesday: Fish Soup
Wednesday: Chicken Tinola Soup
Thursday: Pork Nilaga Soup
Friday: Beef Soup
Veggie dishes rotate daily and may include Mongo Beans, Stir-fried Sprouts, Adobo Beans, Chop Suey, or Banana Heart with Coconut Milk.
“We’re using quality ingredients and local recipes to give them the energy they need,” Lerma explains. “It’s food that fuels their bodies and minds.”
The program is integrated into the club’s mission to support the whole child.
“Our vision has always been bigger than the baseball field,” says Lerma. “By removing the barrier of hunger, we’re giving every child a fair chance to learn, play, and grow.”
For parents of club members, this program represents significant relief for the family budget and peace of mind.
“Now, parents know their child has at least one guaranteed, nutritious meal each school day,” Lerma adds. “It’s one less worry for hardworking mothers.”
About the Bohol Coconuts Baseball & Softball Club:
Launching on February 1, 2026, and based in Barangay Cambanac, Baclayon, the Bohol Coconuts is a comprehensive sports and community organization offering youth and adult sports programming, academic and social activities, and affordable nutrition services through its soup kitchen and food store.
