When we talk about the challenges facing education in South Africa, the conversation often centres around overcrowded classrooms, limited resources, infrastructure and unequal access to opportunity.

Those challenges matter. But there is one barrier that affects learning before a lesson even begins. Hunger.

A child who arrives at school hungry is not arriving ready to learn. They are arriving tired, distracted and focused on getting through the day rather than absorbing what is being taught.

Education has the power to change lives, but learning becomes incredibly difficult when basic needs are not being met. That is why school feeding programmes continue to play such an important role across South Africa, helping learners show up, focus and make the most of every school day.

Why Hunger and Education Are Closely Linked

Education and nutrition cannot be separated. Children need more than books and classrooms to succeed. They need energy, concentration and the ability to engage throughout the school day.

When a learner experiences hunger, even for a short period, it can affect much more than physical well-being.

It may impact:

• Concentration and attention in class
• Memory and information retention
• Participation in activities and discussions
• Energy levels throughout the day
• Motivation to attend school consistently

Teachers often see these effects first-hand. A learner who normally participates may become quiet. Another may seem restless or unable to complete tasks. Some children struggle to remain alert during lessons, not because they are unwilling to learn, but because hunger becomes impossible to ignore.

Over time, these small daily struggles begin to influence educational outcomes.

The Classroom Impact of Hunger

Hunger is not always obvious. It does not always look like visible hardship or empty lunchboxes. Often, it shows up in quieter ways; It is the learner who cannot stay focused during reading time. The student who misses school more often. The child whose marks slowly begin to decline.The learner who starts disengaging from classroom activities. These moments may seem small in isolation, but together they create barriers that become increasingly difficult to overcome. When attendance drops, learning gaps appear. When concentration suffers, confidence often follows. When confidence falls, engagement with education becomes harder to maintain. This is why addressing hunger should not sit outside conversations about education. It is part of the solution.

School Feeding Is About More Than Food

School feeding programmes are sometimes viewed as simply providing meals. In reality, their impact reaches much further. A meal at school creates the conditions that allow learning to happen.

For many learners, school feeding contributes to:

1. Better concentration in the classroom

Learners are better able to focus and engage during lessons.

2. Improved school attendance

Knowing that food is available at school can encourage more consistent attendance.

3. Greater classroom participation

Children who have energy are more likely to interact, ask questions and take part.

4. More consistent learning routines

Regular attendance and improved concentration support stronger learning habits.

5. Support for overall learner wellbeing

Nutrition contributes to creating a more positive and stable school experience.

For many families facing financial pressure, school feeding also offers practical support during difficult times. Importantly, it should not be viewed as charity alone. School feeding is an investment in education.

Supporting Learners in the Western Cape Since 1958

The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) was established in 1958 after the national school feeding programme was discontinued.

Recognising the growing need, the Rotary Club of Paarden Eiland, now known as the Rotary Club of Table Bay, called a public meeting which led to the creation of the organisation.

Today, PSFA remains committed to addressing hunger among learners and students across the Western Cape.

The organisation supports:

• Primary schools
• Secondary schools
• Special needs schools
• Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs)
• Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Centres (OVCs)
• Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVETs)

PSFA’s work is guided by three key aims:

• Reduce short-term hunger
• Enhance learners’ ability to learn through school feeding
• Increase school attendance

At its heart, the work is built on a simple understanding: children learn better when they are nourished. Programmes like these do more than provide meals. They create an environment where learners are better equipped to engage, participate and remain in school.

Why Addressing Hunger Means Investing in South Africa’s Future

South Africa’s education challenges are complex, and there is no single solution. But if we want to improve educational outcomes, hunger cannot be ignored. A child should not have to choose between focusing on a lesson and thinking about their next meal. Providing nutritional support does not solve every challenge facing education. It does not replace quality teaching. It does not remove inequality. But it does help create the conditions where learning becomes possible.

Every meal served creates an opportunity. An opportunity to concentrate. An opportunity to participate. An opportunity to stay in school. And ultimately, an opportunity to build a different future.

Learn More About Supporting School Feeding

For more than six decades, PSFA has continued working towards a future where hunger does not stand in the way of education.

To learn more about the organisation, support its work or find ways to get involved, visit: https://psfa.org.za/

Keep up to date with us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/peninsula_school_feeding_assoc/

In South Africa, millions of children rely on school meals for more than nutrition. For many learners, that meal is what helps them concentrate in class, stay energised through the day and continue attending school consistently.

That is why the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) plays such an important role in education across the country. It is one of South Africa’s largest and most established school feeding initiatives, reaching millions of learners every school day.

But while the programme has made a meaningful impact, it also raises an important question. What happens to the children who fall outside of its reach?

Understanding both the value of the NSNP and the remaining gaps helps explain why organisations such as the Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) continue to play an important role in supporting learners across the Western Cape.

What Is the National School Nutrition Programme?

The National School Nutrition Programme is a government initiative managed through the Department of Basic Education. Its purpose is simple but powerful: to support learning by providing nutritious meals to learners during the school day.

The programme primarily targets learners attending public schools in Quintiles 1, 2 and 3, which represent the country’s poorest schools based on socio-economic indicators. Meals are also provided at qualifying special schools.

Today, the programme reaches more than 9 million learners across nearly 20,000 schools nationwide. The meals are designed to support children during the school day and are guided by South Africa’s Food-Based Dietary Guidelines. Schools are also encouraged to establish food gardens to supplement nutrition and strengthen food security within school communities.

The programme is widely recognised as an important educational intervention because it supports:

●      Improved concentration in class

●      Better learner attendance

●      Increased readiness for learning

●      Nutrition education and healthier habits

●      Greater support for vulnerable households

Why School Feeding Matters Beyond Hunger

School feeding is often discussed as though it only addresses food insecurity. In reality, it supports education too. Hungry children may find it harder to focus, retain information or engage in classroom activities. A meal during the school day can help create conditions that make learning more accessible.

That is why school feeding programmes are increasingly viewed as educational support systems, not simply feeding initiatives. Because education does not begin with textbooks, it begins by ensuring learners can learn.

So, Who Does the NSNP Leave Behind?

The NSNP reaches millions of learners and remains one of South Africa’s most significant social support programmes. But like any targeted intervention, it has defined eligibility criteria. Its focus is largely on qualifying public schools, particularly those in lower socio-economic quintiles.

That means there are still learners and educational settings that may require additional support beyond what the national programme provides.

This can include situations where:

●      Schools or centres fall outside NSNP eligibility requirements

●      Learners attend educational institutions with different funding structures

●      Additional nutritional support is needed alongside existing programmes

●      Communities experience increased pressure due to local socio-economic challenges

School hunger is not experienced in the same way across every community. Needs differ.

And this is where local organisations can play an important complementary role.

How PSFA Helps Bridge the Gap in the Western Cape

The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) was established in 1958 after the government of the time discontinued the national school feeding programme.

Recognising the ongoing need for nutritional support, the Rotary Club of Paarden Eiland, now known as the Rotary Club of Table Bay, called a public meeting, which led to the organisation’s establishment.

More than six decades later, PSFA continues that work exclusively within the Western Cape and Eastern Cape.

As a registered non-profit organisation, PSFA supports learners and students attending:

●      Primary schools

●      Secondary schools

●      Special needs schools

●      Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs)

●      Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Centres (OVCs)

●      Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVETs)

PSFA’s work remains focused on three key outcomes:

1.    Reducing short-term hunger

2.    Enhancing learners’ ability to learn through school feeding

3.    Increasing school attendance

The organisation’s role reflects an important reality.

National programmes are essential, but local support systems remain equally important in helping ensure children do not fall through the gaps.

Feeding Learners Is Part of Supporting Education

The National School Nutrition Programme has become one of South Africa’s most important educational support initiatives. Its reach is significant, and its impact continues to benefit millions of learners every year. But addressing hunger is not only about scale. It is also about responding to needs where they exist.

School feeding works best when national programmes, communities and organisations all contribute towards creating better conditions for learning. Because every child deserves the opportunity to arrive at school ready to learn.

And for many learners, that opportunity starts with something as simple and important as a meal.

To learn more about the Peninsula School Feeding Association, visit our website: https://psfa.org.za/

Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/peninsula_school_feeding_assoc/

The PSFA general committee, management and staff welcome Tanith Hamman to the team. Tanith joined PSFA as a full-time staff member today, June 1, 2023.

Tanith has had a long-standing relationship with the PSFA, which started in 2013, where she operated as our account manager on behalf of Value Logistics, one of our transport providers. She then joined us on-site at our new premises in Philippi in July 2016 to ensure the smooth running of Value Logistics’ fleet of 36 vehicles that delivered fruit and vegetables to the schools on our feeding programme and for the NSNP contract.

Tanith was born in Kwazulu Natal. She completed her schooling at Herschel Girls’ School in Cape Town. After leaving school, she trained in the travel and tourism industry and enjoyed a career in this field until 2010, when she decided to move into a career in warehousing and logistics.

A wife, a mother of two children and an avid reader, Tanith enjoys cooking and the theatre. In her spare Tanith looks forward to volunteering her assistance at various charitable organisations such as the Langa Community Development Forum and Stellenbosch Animal Anti-Cruelty League.

We are delighted to have Tanith on our team as a full time staff member and wish her a long and happy tenure at PSFA.

Can you believe a year has passed since the LottoStar (Pty) Ltd #FeedingOurFuture Radiothon took place on Kfm 94.5

On June 1, 2022, we at PSFA and, in particular, the schoolchildren on our feeding programme were blown away by the generosity of everyone and every organisation that donated.

Thanks to Lottostar, Kfm and everyone’s financial contribution, the radiothon raised an outstanding R20 million in just 12 hours. This success marked the largest amount of money raised in 12 hours for a radio station in South Africa’s history.

We are delighted to inform you that the R20 million we received has and is enabling PSFA to do the following:

– PSFA allocated R8.750 million of the donation to serve 5 833 760 nutritious meals, including breakfasts and lunches, to 15 350 learners affected by poverty at 92 schools.
– Due to the success of the radiothon, PSFA guarantees to serve 2 967 040 daily meals to 7 808 learners every year for the next three years.
– The donation will also enable PSFA to expand its early childhood development (ECD) footprint by including additional ECD centres on its feeding programme.

With your continued support, we can grow our ECD feeding programme and accommodate any new school applications to join our feeding programme. It is on this note that we appeal to you to please consider continuing your financial support by donating to PSFA via our website, www.psfa.org.za, in the following ways:

1. Becoming a monthly donor – a small amount each month can make a huge difference in the lives of these children
2. Feed a child for a month at the cost of R66.00
3. Feed a child for a year at the cost of R620.00
4. Feed a class of 30 children for a year at the cost of R18 600.00
5. Donate any amount

Your loyal support will make a real and lasting impact on the education and well-being of the children we feed. Together, we can help break the poverty cycle and give these children a chance to build a brighter future.

Thank you for your consideration and your compassion.

Kind regards

CHARLES GREY
FUNDRAISING MANAGER
#success #education #thankyou #future #development #fundraising #help #schools #southafrica

Today, Friday 5 May, 2023, the learners who attend Phyllis Jowell Jewish Day School organised and participated in their Blisters for Bread walk along the Camps Bay promenade to raise funds for PSFA.

There were two walks, a 2,5km walk for the foundation phase learners and a 5km walk for the older children.

At the start of the walks, PSFA chairman Brian Benatar thanked the learners for their support and wished them well for the walk.

We are sincerely grateful to these amazing learners for this kind gesture and their parents, family and friends who donated to support each learner who walked. #grateful #school

This morning our director Petrina Pakoe and fundraising manager, Charles Grey visited KFC, KFC Plumstead, KFC Ottery, KFC Grassy Park and KFC Kenilworth Centre to tell the restaurant staff that, thanks to the R2 Add Hope donations. PSFA received a R1.5 million donation from KFC South Africa to feed 3 030 impoverished schoolchildren for a year.

We also handed over thousands of flyers for the staff to hand out to their clients. The flyers mention the above.
KFC #AddHope #hopeshapesyourworld

In February this year, PSFA donor, ZEMP launched a Design Initiative in collaboration with a school on our feeding programme, Summerdale High School in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town.

The Grade 9 learners were given the opportunity to design their dream bag to be added to the ZEMP Leathers DESIGN SAFARI collection. For every bag sold, PSFA will receive a R570 donation, enabling us to provide a learner affected by poverty with daily breakfasts and lunches for an entire year (190 school days).

With much time spent going through all the amazing designs, ZEMP had the difficult decision to narrow it down to two designs. ZEMP selected the Yola and the Siri bags, designed by Yolatha Mgebezo and Likhona Geca, two exceptional grade 9 learners at Summerdale High.

Both bags feature ZEMP Leathers’ signature turquoise-certified organic cotton lining and vegetable-tanned leather.
The bags from this Design Initiative can now be pre-ordered for delivery in November, either at https://zemp.co.za/product-category/design-initiative-bags/ or one of Zemp’s stockists across South Africa.

For a stockist in your area, please email info@zemp.co.za and reserve your bag now.

Click here to Watch Our DESIGN INITIATIVE Story

After a two-year postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are delighted to announce that our popular annual fundraising event, Blisters for Bread in association with Lucky Star took place along the Sea Point Promenade on Sunday 28 August 2022.

We had to limit entries this year to only 2 000 walkers because planning and budgeting for the event took place earlier this year during the COVID-19 pandemic and we could obviously not foresee the future.

Nevertheless, with a sunny day on our side, the event turned out to be a great success, attracting over 2 000 walkers and raising R288 680.00 from entry fees and online donations made by the generous public, who could not walk due to limited entries. The funds we received will enable PSFA to provide 506 learners on our feeding programme with daily breakfasts and lunches for an entire calendar year.

The deputy mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Eddie Andrews, Brian Benatar, chairman of PSFA’s volunteer general committee, Neville Brink, CEO of Oceana and Lourens De Waal, managing director of Lucky Star said a few words at the start of the 10km walk. Alderman Eddie Andrews officially started the walk and participated with his family in the 5km walk – Eddie and his family had a fantastic time mingling with all the walkers along the route, stopping many times to pose for selfies with the walkers. Another dignitary that graced us with her presence in our VIP hospitality area for breakfast was Western Cape Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais. Anroux has been a loyal supporter of Blisters for Bread since 2015.

There was a real feel-good atmosphere at this year’s Blisters for Bread with families and friends all uniting in the fight against childhood hunger. Everyone who entered received a medal, a cold Coca-Cola thanks to our hydration partner, Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages and a 20% discount voucher from Hi-Tec.

Our main sponsor, Lucky Star created fantastic fun activities for the walkers as they crossed the finish line. The walkers were treated to a complimentary snack prepared by Lucky Star chef Kabelo Segone, goodie bags with samples of new products, party music mixed by celebrity influencer and DJ, Devdondidit, dancing competitions and the popular 360 spin videos.

PSFA hereby wishes to take this opportunity to thank the following people, companies and organisations that played a vital role in ensuring the success of our 52^nd Blisters for Bread Charity Family Fun Walk:

• Everyone who entered the 10km and 5km walks
• Lucky Star – main sponsor
• Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages – official hydration partner
• Heart FM – official radio partner
• Lions Club International for providing volunteers to assist with the marshalling
• The Sportsmans Warehouse branches for entry registrations
• Banks R & L Hiring for providing a 50% discount on the hire cost of catering equipment for PSFA’s VIP hospitality area at the Green Point Cricket Club
• Top Events for organising the event on our behalf

Blisters for Bread 2023 will be taking place on Sunday 27 August – we look forward to seeing you all there!