The rise of fast food and mall culture is pushing traditional Filipino home-cooked meals out of everyday urban life.

The Philippines has a long-standing culinary tradition centred around carinderias—family-run eateries that serve affordable home-cooked meals to workers and neighbourhood residents. However, rapid urban development and the growth of shopping mall culture have shifted food consumption toward international fast-food chains and global brands.

As access to affordable, nutritious local meals declines, many workers rely increasingly on fast food, contributing to rising rates of obesity and diet-related health issues. At the same time, mothers from low-income communities often struggle to find stable employment that allows them to support their families while caring for their children.

Soul Belly Office Lunches revives Filipino home-cooked food traditions while creating income opportunities for mothers in vulnerable communities.

Soul Belly began as a kitchen initiative staffed by nanays—mothers of students from Mano Amiga Academy—who prepared nutritious meals for children at the school. The project later expanded into a lunch catering service supplying bento-style Filipino meals to offices in the Manila Central Business District.

By choosing traditional Filipino dishes instead of fast food, customers support a social enterprise that prioritises both nutrition and community livelihoods. The model enables mothers from low-income households to gain stable employment, improve food security for their families, and build skills in food preparation and small business operations.

As demand for the service grows, Soul Belly plans to expand its catering operations to reach more workplaces while creating new employment opportunities for women from disadvantaged communities.

AirAsia Foundation’s grant supports Soul Belly’s expansion to reach more offices while creating new employment opportunities for women.

• Purchase kitchen equipment and train additional mothers to cater to five new offices
• Provide business operations and management training for newly employed women
• Introduce cultural information about Filipino dishes through labels and office displays

Through this expansion, Soul Belly aims to create employment opportunities for more mothers while promoting Filipino culinary heritage in urban workplaces.