Kitchen Care- Kusina ng Kalinga

Kusina ng Kalinga+ (KNK+) — Feeding as Disaster Relief in Cebu

In the wake of Typhoon Tino, thousands of families in Cebu were left struggling with loss, displacement, and uncertainty. The Kusina ng Kalinga+ (KNK+) program quickly mobilized to respond—not just with food, but with compassion and community.

With the support of Ford Philanthropy, GK volunteers, and community partners, the KNK+ kitchens became a lifeline for children and families affected by the disaster. Over the past reporting period, our teams have prepared over 6,000 hot, nutritious meals—bringing comfort, nourishment, and a sense of normalcy to those facing the hardest days.

Key Accomplishments

• Emergency Feeding Response: Activated two KNK+ community kitchens in northern Cebu, serving evacuation centers and hard-to-reach barangays.

• Child-Centered Support: Prioritized feeding for displaced children, ensuring they receive at least one healthy, freshly cooked meal per day during the recovery period.

• Community Volunteer Mobilization: Engaged at least 50 local volunteers, many of them mothers, to prepare and distribute meals—fostering local ownership and bayanihan spirit.

• Storytelling and Play Sessions: Integrated storytelling and art activities for children, helping them cope with fear and trauma after the typhoon. These simple moments of laughter and imagination provided emotional relief and helped restore a sense of stability.

How Donations Were Used

GlobalGiving donations were pooled with resources from partners like Ford Philanthropy to sustain the feeding operations. Contributions supported:

• Procurement of rice, vegetables, eggs, and protein sources for freshly prepared meals.

• Fuel and cooking supplies for the mobile kitchens.

• Basic hygiene kits and utensils for children and volunteers.

• Materials for storytelling and play therapy sessions.

Every donation—no matter the amount—helped turn compassion into nourishment and gave children a reason to smile again.

Challenges and How We Addressed Them

The biggest challenge during this response was the logistical difficulty of reaching isolated communities where roads were blocked and supplies were limited. With the help of Ford’s local partners and GK’s regional teams, we were able to coordinate transport of goods through alternate routes and local government support.

Another challenge was addressing the emotional toll on children who witnessed destruction and displacement. The team responded by incorporating storytelling and creative play alongside feeding activities—transforming the kitchens into safe spaces for healing and hope.

A Story from the Ground

“After the typhoon, my son would cry every time it rained,” shares Maricel, a mother of three. “But when the volunteers came and read stories while giving food, he laughed again. He said the ‘ate’ and ‘kuya’ cooks made the best soup because it tasted like home.”

In each bowl of rice and vegetables, children not only receive nourishment—they feel cared for, seen, and valued. These are small steps toward healing hearts as well as rebuilding homes.

Looking Ahead

As Cebu communities move toward recovery, the Kusina ng Kalinga+ program will continue to operate as both a feeding and resilience hub. Plans for the coming months include:

• Expanding the use of storytelling and play therapy in disaster-affected areas.

• Training more community mothers as “Kitchen Champions” to lead feeding operations when disasters strike.

Gratitude

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all GlobalGiving donors and to Ford Philanthropy for making this life-saving response possible. Your generosity has filled more than stomachs—it has restored faith, dignity, and hope in the hearts of many.

Together, we continue to prove that in times of crisis, compassion is the most powerful form of relief.

Links:

• Check out Gawad Kalinga's Facebook page to know more