Poverty and hunger remain a pervasive human rights issue, with nearly 10 million South Africans going to bed hungry. Of this staggering number, more than 20% are children who suffer from food poverty, consuming less than two of the eight recommended food groups per day.
In a country with plentiful land and resources, this is not a food-scarcity issue, but rather a systemic failure that undermines the well-being and future potential of our nation.
Poverty and malnutrition have a knock-on effect, impacting an individual’s mental health, academic performance, cognitive development and social relationships. This is especially dangerous for pregnant women and young children.
FoodForward South Africa (FFSA) has launched a programme specifically designed to address this problem. The Mother and Child Nutrition Programme, in partnership with Grow Great, aims to provide essential nutrition to pregnant mothers and children under the age of 5, offering prenatal care and nutrition education.
Pregnancy is a time of increased vulnerability and potential, and a child’s developmental journey begins in the womb. Improving the nutritional status of mothers at this stage is crucial for a child’s optimal growth and future development
When an expecting mother is deprived of – or lacks access to – nutritious food, this can have lasting effects on the unborn child.
The first 1 000 days of a child’s life – from conception until two-years-old – are critical for their development, and adequate nutrition is essential during this period for building a healthy and productive future.
In South Africa, more than 1.5 million children suffer from malnutrition and stunted growth. Insufficient consumption of essential nutrients – during early childhood – can lead to stunting, resulting in health complications and developmental delays.
This causes harm to children’s physical health and cognitive development. Their futures are compromised as they are more prone to chronic illnesses, academic challenges and unemployment in adulthood, ultimately perpetuating the cycle of poverty.
Through donations, sponsorships and partnerships with local clinics and food supply chain partners, FFSA provides high protein food boxes to at-risk households across the country. So far, the initiative has benefited 180 families in and around the Western and Eastern Cape.
“Access to nutritious food is a basic human right and far too many of our children are being deprived of this,” says FFSA Managing Director Andy Du Plessis. “This programme will give these kids a fighting chance at a prosperous future.”
To learn more, and to support the Mother and Child Nutrition Programme, visit their website.
