The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continues to provide lifesaving services during disasters and emergencies including ready-to-eat and healthy meals, making a difficult situation bearable for vulnerable individuals affected by catastrophes. 

PRC’s 36 food trucks positioned in 102 PRC chapters nationwide delivered hot meals to 14,855 people through the Hot Meals on Wheels Program in the first and second quarters this year.  

PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon underscored the importance of food trucks in combating the country’s hunger problem. 

“Mahalaga ang food trucks ng PRC dahil nakakatulong tayo sa maibsan ang alalahanin ng mga taong naapektuhan ng kalamidad lalo na ang mga nasa evacuation centers na kadalasan ay walang gamit sa pagluluto. Hindi lang natin sila hinahainan ng disenteng pagkain, nagbibigay ang PRC ng pag-asa. Sa pamamagitan ng Hot Meals on Wheels Program na milyon-milyon na ang napakain, naipadarama natin sa ating mga kababayan na hindi sila nag-iisa. Besides, when I was a senator, I authored the Food Donation Law. All they have to do is to properly implement it,” Gordon said. 

The Food Donation Law (RA 9803), authored by Gordon, aims to reduce hunger and food waste by encouraging food establishments to donate wholesome food to charitable organizations for distribution to those in need.

The first four PRC food trucks were donated by Gordon in 2005 to combat malnutrition in various schools in Metro Manila. These were positioned in the PRC chapters in Pasay, NHQ-Mandaluyong, Quezon City, and Manila. 

PRC’s food trucks can feed a hundred individuals per hour and are equipped with industrial-size burners, steamers, and other cooking equipment. All ingredients of the Hot Meals on Wheels program are locally sourced to support local farmers and fisherfolk. 

“We ensure that the meals we serve are not only healthy but safe for consumption. The PRC provides rigorous training programs for our volunteer chefs and nutritionists to ensure safety and dignified food preparations for the people we serve,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang added. 
Since 2012, the PRC Hot Meals on Wheels program has served hot meals to 1,794,599 individuals from its various humanitarian operations.