Tiger Brands, a prominent food company in South Africa, has raised an urgent call for collective action to combat the troubling issue of food insecurity. Picture: Supplied
Tiger Brands, a leading food company in South Africa, has emphasised the urgent need for collective action to combat food insecurity, with a specific focus on ensuring that every learner in vulnerable communities has access to a warm and nutritious meal.
It is explained that the Tiger Brands Foundation’s mission aligns with World Food Day’s theme, “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future”, which aims to provide nutritious meals to every child in vulnerable communities.
The Foundation provides hot, nutritious breakfasts to thousands of South African learners every school day, complementing the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) for primary and secondary school learners.
Despite these efforts, child hunger remains a significant issue, with 12% of South Africa’s 2.6 million children still experiencing hunger.
Kefiloe Mokoena, regional coordinator and project manager at The Tiger Brands Foundation (TBF), states: “Our in-school breakfast programme is more than just providing meals — it is an investment in each learner’s future. Every meal represents hope, ensuring learners can focus in class and develop the skills needed to succeed.
“We cannot afford to be indifferent. Every learner we feed today has a better chance of excelling tomorrow, but the need is far greater than what any one organisation can provide. It will require a collaborative approach where hunger no longer hinders potential.”
The Foundation’s in-school breakfast program does more than nourish; it empowers learners, supporting their educational journeys. Each meal not only fills stomachs but also fosters aspirations, enabling students to focus, dream bigger, and envision becoming agents of change within their communities.
The company marked World Food Day, a day that serves as a poignant reminder that while many South Africans begin their mornings with breakfast, millions still grapple with the harsh reality of hunger.
Statistics from 2021 reveal a troubling picture: approximately 683,000 households faced food insecurity, and over half a million households reported experiencing hunger, particularly among children under five, according to Statistics South Africa.
Further highlighting the gravity of the situation, a recent UNICEF report reveals that South Africa ranks among 20 countries responsible for 65% of the world’s children living in severe food poverty.
The Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
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