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Tackling Stunting and Malnutrition: A Year of Success for the Mother and Child Nutrition Programme

As we reflect on a year of impactful work, one of our standout successes is the continued growth of our Mother and Child Nutrition Programme. This initiative has made great strides in combating malnutrition and stunting, bringing hope to families across South Africa.

More than 1.5 million children are facing the devastating effects of malnutrition, which leads to stunting, developmental delays, and lifelong health issues.

Thanks to our partnership with the Grow Great Campaign and the Department of Health, this year we’ve expanded the programme into the Witzenberg and Breede Valley Municipalities in the Western Cape.

We have already delivered food boxes to 100 underweight mothers and children, each box packed with essential, high-protein foods to support the growth and development of malnourished children.

Addressing the mothers, healthcare workers and sponsors at the launch, FoodForward SA Managing Director, Andy Du Plessis highlighted the programme’s success since its inception in 2023.

“A year and a half ago, we launched the programme in partnership with Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Trust. One of the things that’s been burdening us as an organisation is that in our country there is so much food… we have children who are malnourished,” said Andy.

“It’s not right for children to suffer this way. A small investment… into our children’s lives, by doing what we are doing, is cheaper than what it would cost to take care of a malnourished child for the rest of his/her life.

(With this programme) we wanted to see if the food we provide could make a difference in children’s lives. Within six months, every single client had gained weight, proving that we are making a real difference in addressing malnutrition in South Africa,” said Andy.

Doctor Edzani Mphaphuli of Grow Great emphasised the importance of early childhood nutrition: “When children’s bodies grow strong, they have the opportunity to succeed. The children we support today will be the ones who bring about change in their communities because they’ll have access to the food that nourishes their minds and bodies.”

Despite challenges like food insecurity, this partnership between FoodForward SA, Grow Great and the Department of Health ensures that children get the nourishment they need for their cognitive development.

One mother, Katrina Rooi, said, “We’re grateful for the food. It will help my daughter gain weight and grow stronger.”

As we look ahead, FoodForward SA is committed to expanding this programme.

We aim to reach even more families in need and continue addressing the urgent issue of stunting in South Africa. With your support, we can ensure that every child gets the food they need to grow, setting them up for success in life.

To support the Mother and ChildNutrition Programme visit our website for more details.

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