We always hear the words – food is medicine – and harp about the benefits of good, healthy food on health and well-being. But what if not even food can reverse or alter the inevitability of man’s existence? That’s when we become creative and alter our perspective.

Food restores dignity. And inspired by the Dignity Kitchen in Singapore, The Ruth Foundation launched THE COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY KITCHEN (CCK), which serves authentic Singaporean dishes individually packed to underprivileged patients.

Being a Family Physician and Medical Biochemistry Professor, I have witnessed how proper nutrition can impact health, not just physically, but emotionally as well. I can probably tell with some accuracy the nutritional content of food and what it can do to the body. What is more important from a human perspective is the happiness that can be derived from a hearty meal.

Yeo Hiok Keat, founding general manager of Project Dignity, points out, “…food makes people happy.” And it is true – once the food is served and shared, it is akin to a sharing of self, of one’s humanity.

As coined by Ruth Foundation founder Dr. Rumalie “Mae” Corvera, who is a Family Physician and Palliative Care Specialist herself, a “Compassionate Community Kitchen” gives meaning to what we do in medicine. Yes, as doctors, we are licensed to heal, prescribe medications, and care for the community that supports those who are ill. But she has not forgotten the need for food, and how food improves the quality of life. She has targeted two of the most important components of compassion – providing food and providing care.

This is why CCK is integrated with the services of The Ruth Foundation. If we want to restore a sick man’s dignity, what better way to do it than give that person the basic need for sustenance. It is akin to feeding the soul, an act that transcends whatever treatment medicine provides.

As we pass through our daily challenges and think about our tasks, let us always keep in mind that we need food – not just to sustain us, but to allow us to have the strength to serve those in need. Our basic needs may be fulfilled, but once it overflows, they must naturally trickle down to those who may need more. For every mouth that is fed by the Compassionate Community Kitchen, what is extended is not just life, but an act of brotherly love. The kind of love that was extended to us by the one who brought us to life.

For orders, please call 0945-5949465.

Visit them on Facebook: Compassionate Community Kitchen

Instagram: @cocokitchen.ph