The Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) in Catbalogan City, Samar, has served 6,254 meals during its first month of operation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported Wednesday.

DSWD Eastern Visayas Regional Director Grace Subong said the facility serves more than 200 meals daily, prioritizing individuals and families experiencing involuntary hunger, street dwellers and vulnerable low-income workers.

“Since the WGK opened on Oct. 12, most of those served are from Catbalogan City. Recently, however, residents from other towns in Samar, including students, have also been coming to avail themselves of free meals,” Subong said in a phone interview.

She said the facility does not have regular diners, as most of those who come are people facing financial difficulties, including minimum wage earners waiting for their next payday.

“If we notice that someone comes to eat at WGK for successive days, we will find out why. We see this as a point of entry for our interventions,” she added.

The project is a partnership between the DSWD and the provincial government of Samar. The local government provided the equipment, personnel and facility, and shoulders the cost of electricity and water.

Through the initiative, the DSWD aims to improve access to nutritious meals and essential assistance while strengthening efforts to address hunger and promote food security.

The facility in Catbalogan City, the provincial capital, is the fourth WGK in the country. The DSWD established the first facility in Pasay City in 2024, followed by branches in Cebu City and Zamboanga City in June 2026.

All WGK facilities operate daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing free breakfast and lunch to beneficiaries. (PNA)