The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) newly launched “Walang Gutom Kitchen” in Pasay City will remain operational during select holidays to continue its mission of providing meals to those in need.

“Our Walang Gutom Kitchen will continue to provide food on Dec. 24, 30, and 31 which are holidays. It will also continue to operate on Dec. 26 to 29 which are regular days,” DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao.

However, she clarified that the kitchen will be closed on Dec. 25, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025.

“The Walang Gutom Kitchen is open to all families and individuals in street situations and those experiencing involuntary hunger,” Dumlao said.

The kitchen was established to address involuntary hunger and reduce food wastage by turning surplus food donated by hotels, restaurants, and organizations into hot, nutritious meals.

Dumlao pointed out that the food provided is not “pagpag” or discarded foods, but fresh, healthy, and delicious meals.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian also called for more food donations from restaurants and fast food chains, and individuals who are willing to volunteer at the Walang Gutom Kitchen

“We encourage organizations and individuals who want to help fight hunger to visit the Walang Gutom Kitchen at the Nasdake Building in Pasay City and become volunteer servers for the day," he said.

“First and foremost, we want to combat hunger. But where will we get the food? Since this soup kitchen also serves as a food bank, hotels, restaurants, and fast food chains drop off their surplus or uneaten food here,” he explained.

“Rather than throwing it away and wasting it, now they have a place to donate it. The DSWD will distribute and serve it to our fellow citizens experiencing hunger—families living on the streets, individuals, and children facing temporary hunger,” he added.