At Atmosphere Resorts & Spa, sustainability isn’t just about preserving nature—it’s about people, too. One of our most cherished community efforts is the Atmosphere Soup Kitchen (ASK), which has been serving up nourishment, hope, and opportunity since June 2011.
A Simple Mission with Lasting Impact
Located in one of Dumaguete’s most impoverished communities, near the city’s dump site, ASK supports up to 85 school-aged children (6–12 years old) with something powerful: a daily nutritious lunch, five days a week. For many of these children, it’s the most reliable meal of the day—and the incentive they need to stay in school rather than resort to scavenging for survival.
More Than a Meal
The core of ASK is its all-encompassing approach to wellbeing. In addition to lunch, the program provides:
- Daily Vitamins: To promote healthy growth and development.
- Back-to-School Packages: Supplying backpacks, school supplies, and uniforms so that every child can arrive at school prepared and with pride.
- Gifts and Awards: Christmas presents, birthday presents, and academic prizes let kids know they’re appreciated and supported.
- The Piggy Bank Project: A micro-livelihood program giving five families at a time piglets to raise and sell, creating a sustainable source of income and teaching valuable skills.
Powered by Community
ASK is run by the community, not just for it. The children’s parents share a sense of purpose, accountability, and pride by taking turns cooking the meals. In addition to strengthening family ties, this practical involvement equips moms with new skills and emphasizes the value of education and proper nutrition in the home. Each dish is prepared with love and care that nourishes dignity and hope in addition to what is on the plate.
Supported by Generosity
Without the kindness and generosity of our extended Atmosphere family, which includes our donors, partners, and guests, ASK would not be possible. Our Piggy Bank Project, which teaches families how to create a sustainable income, has allowed us to give school supplies, hygiene kits, birthday presents, vitamins, and even piglets through monetary donations and donated goods. Children experience joy, belonging, and accomplishment through seasonal events like graduation ceremonies, beach days, and Christmas celebrations—memories that endure far longer than a single meal.
No matter how small the donation, it makes a significant difference. Your generosity changes lives, whether it’s by providing money for wholesome food, giving school shoes, or just making a child smile.
How You Can Help
We would be delighted to have you join us on one of our weekly visits if you are staying with us and would like to observe ASK in operation. To schedule your visit, simply ask at the front desk or send an email to [email protected].
ASK can also be supported remotely. Contributions directly support ongoing operations as well as unique initiatives like the Piggy Bank Project and the Back-to-School campaign. Are you looking to give a unique experience or something special to guests while you’re there? Tell us, and we’ll help you find meaningful ways to contribute.
Initiatives like ASK align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focusing on hunger, education, and community wellbeing. Your support helps advance these goals on a grassroots level—one meal, one child, one community at a time.
Every child should be nourished, not only physically but also spiritually and for their future, according to ASK. We can keep making that belief a reality with your assistance—one meal, one smile, one chance.
Want to make a difference today?
Donate Now to support ASK’s daily meals, education supplies, and community projects. Every contribution helps us serve smiles, nourish futures, and build a stronger, more compassionate Dumaguete.
