Childhood hunger: When school meals stop, one Free State community steps in
Health-e News Childhood hunger: When school meals stop, one Free State community steps in For some children at a Nyakallong school in the Free State, the school term means at least one guaranteed meal a day. When caregivers at the We Care Daycare Centre, based at S.A Mokhothu Primary School, realised that children’s need for food extended beyond the school term, they decided to keep the kitchen…
When school meals end, a Free State community in South Africa takes action to combat childhood hunger. At the We Care Daycare Centre in Nyakallong, near Welkom, seven caregivers continue serving meals to more than 200 children during school holidays. Rebecca Ndaba, a caregiver, explains that high unemployment in the area leaves many families struggling to provide even one meal per day.
The National School Nutrition Programme, which provides meals during the school term, is a lifeline for these children. However, when schools close for the holidays, the government's feeding scheme stops. We Care Daycare fills this gap, providing meals to children from other schools as well. In addition to food, the center also offers snacks and fruits to support the children's overall wellbeing.
The community acknowledges the importance of addressing hunger, with the Free State Department of Social Development recognizing the crucial role that organizations like We Care Daycare play in combating hunger during the holidays.
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