Peninsula School Feeding Association

The Fact

The latest University of Cape Town report reveals 3 out of 4 children go hungry every day because 30% of our population live in poverty with food insecurity.

The Results

At school - these hungry children are unable to concentrate. Whilst hunger gnaws at them, they can't think about anything else. Or else they simply don't attend school at all.

The Consequence

The deficits of under-nutrition in children becomes irreversible if not addressed. Additional to the disastrous effect of hunger on education and a child’s future, another far-reaching outcome is a generation with poor immune systems, frequent illness, and a link to life-threatening diseases in adult life. Today’s unmet need will have serious consequences for tomorrow, without intervention.

The Answer

To develop into his or her full potential, every child needs regular balanced nutrition across all food groups – protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Our breakfasts and lunches are designed and prepared accordingly. Daily school meals provide an incentive to attend school, and help children to focus on their studies. As an individual, a family, a group, a club, or a company, you can help to provide this essential nutrition, thereby growing an educated, healthy, and winning generation.

Which Schools

We serve schools situated in the Western Cape that do not qualify for the Government’s National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) subsidy, but where the need exists. PSFA also provides food at Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDC’s), Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Safe Parks and at TVET colleges.

How many Schools?

PSFA currently provides daily nutritious cooked meals to a total of 34 942 learners at the following 413 educational institutions in the Western Cape:

25 185 learners at 149 primary, secondary and special needs schools
8 127 children at 254 Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs)
300 children at three Orphans and Vulnerable Children Centres (OVCs) safe parks and
1 330 students at seven Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVETs)

We continue to receive many applications from educational institutions to be included on our feeding programme. This can only be done with funding provided by donors.

Which Children?

Our feeding programme is not open to the whole school. Those children who qualify are identified for us by the principal and teachers at each school. Indicators are:

known family poverty
fainting in class
no packed lunches
lack of concentration
poor quality of school work and
disruptive behaviour.

The Need