Project Daily Bread (PDB) has grown from a simple “what if we can solve a certain problem?” into a full-scale institutionalized initiative. It began with listening to students’ stories during counseling sessions and scholarship interviews, where a dismal reality emerged, many college students came to school on empty, aching stomachs. To cope, they resorted to cigarettes, instant snacks, candies, or even rice sprinkled with salt and boiled kangkong from a relative’s garden.
This wasn’t a scene from a documentary on poverty; it was a reality faced by Louisians students who, despite their determination to study, battled involuntary hunger daily. Inside counseling rooms, their stories came alive through the faces of weary, embarrassed students simply trying to survive.
Fueled by Christ’s example of charity and compassion, Project Daily Bread was born. What started as a conversation became a written agreement and eventually, a meal on a student’s plate. On 4 January 2011, the Guidance Center (now the Center for Counseling and Wellness), the Student Affairs Office (now the Office of Student Affairs and Services), the Human Resource Development Office, and SLU’s canteen concessionaires signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the implementation of PDB.
Under this partnership, each canteen concessionaire sponsored one student beneficiary, chosen based on financial need and academic performance. The program was sustained through voluntary contributions from employees who donated a portion of their salaries, and later, through small student donations that embodied the Louisian spirit of solidarity.
Through the years, PDB has become more than a feeding program, it has become a community mission aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, ensuring that no student endures hunger while striving for education.
The impact of Project Daily Bread is best reflected through the voices of its beneficiaries:
“After a long day of work, having access to delicious and nutritious food is essential for my health. The sellers are kind and accommodating even when I eat late. Being part of PDB has made my days easier and healthier.” – L.M.V. Ferrer
“PDB has relieved me of financial stress, allowing me to focus more on my studies. The free lunch helped me concentrate and perform better academically. I’m deeply grateful for the positive change it brought to my life.” – S.T. Bacdayan
“Your assistance has not only nourished me but given me peace of mind to focus on my studies. I’m incredibly grateful for the kindness and support that continues to change lives.” – K.A. Castro
For 14 years now, Project Daily Bread has continued to answer the prayer of every hungry student: “Give us this day our daily bread.”‘ For some, it may just be one meal—but for those battling involuntary hunger, it is a lifeline of hope, compassion, and faith in action. (Article by SLU CCW)
