The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) will conduct a series of activities in observation of the 39th National Nutrition Month with the theme “Gutom at malnutrisyon: sama-sama nating wakasan!”

Nutrition month was officially launched in Manila on July 2, coordinated by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). The observance of nutrition month aims to build greater awareness on nutrition among Filipinos.

IRRI will hold Kanin Get It on July 16, a special media day on health and nutrition issues related to rice. It is a whole-day event to be held at the Harrar Room, and will showcase the organization’s latest research on nutrition, grain quality, rice contamination, and high-nutrient rice.

IRRI will also have Nutri Up! Health Options and Choices on July 25-26, an activity led by the Human Resources Services under its Health and Wellness Program, which provides health-oriented workshops and seminars.

There will also be a feeding program for marginalized families in Los Baños and Bay, in partnership with the Provincial Nutrition Action Council of Laguna and Suhay, an organization of IRRI international staffers working together with the local community to help children in need.

IRRI  is a non-profit organization that engages in rice research to reduce poverty and hunger, improve the health of rice farmers and consumers, and ensure that rice production is environmentally sustainable. It currently promotes the consumption of brown rice, which is is being served at its cafeteria in Harrar Hall. (Czarina Joy Villarin)