HEAL WITH A MEAL

AT LEAST 15 million (though some say many more) South Africans suffer from food insecurity.

This means they don’t have access to sufficient food, or food of an adequate quality, to meet their basic needs.

Sadly, more than 1 000 children die from malnutrition each year, while 350 children die from malnutrition in BRICS partner nation Brazil – which has more than three times South Africa’s population. This is a terrible statistic! Dinge is erg, mense!

Around 19 million people get social grants a month, or 26 million if the nine million recipients of the special social relief of distress (SRD) grant are included. Without this, poverty and malnutrition in the country would be even higher.

However, these social grants are not enough, especially with the ever-increasing cost of living.

It is due to these alarming levels of food insecurity and malnutrition that school and community feeding schemes are so vitally important. body.

The government’s National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) provides one nutritious meal to all learners in poor primary and secondary schools.

Learners receive food on all school days. Food is offered to all learners. Where breakfast is served before school starts, the main meal is served later. They are not forced to eat.

While this programme is hugely impactful, it only serves as a partial solution to the lack of food in our communities.

The sad reality is that many people do not have food on their tables.

While some children may receive a meal at school, many often have nothing to eat at home. Therefore, the impact of community feeding schemes cannot be overstated. 

Many people will tell you that feeding schemes don’t solve the problem. I don’t dispute that, and I agree that we should find solutions to the real issues of unemployment, inequality and the correct and fair allocation of resources, which all play a huge role in poverty. 

But, when you are hungry, every meal counts.

Therefore, I firmly support the many well-intentioned feeding schemes in our communities. They really do make a difference.

One organisation that has been feeding people for nearly 40 years, is the Mustadafin Foundation, based in Bridgetown, Athlone.

According to the organisation’s Director, Ghairunisa Johnstone-Cassiem, the number of people in need of food is growing.

She says: “Reducing poverty is seen as the world’s greatest challenge, and in South Africa, poverty is counted as one of the country’s triple threats. The other two are unemployment and inequality.

“In 2024 alone, we provided a remarkable amount of assistance with food, averaging 27 000 meals per day, to struggling families, vulnerable children, and the elderly.

“This is huge task – but we forge forward as best we can.

“The Mustadafin Foundation remains steadfast in its commitment to combating hunger in under-resourced communities across South Africa.”

Last week, the Mustadafin Foundation held its annual “Night of Cooking” before the celebration of Eid–ul–Adha (second Eid) in Cape Town.

It was simply amazing to see how everyone rallied together for the common goal of feeding empty bellies. Ons mense is honger!

From volunteers, to staff, and representatives of political parties and civil society – everyone was centred around one goal – eradicating hunger, even just one meal at a time.

Mustadafin Foundation’s head office in Bridgetown was, as usual, transformed into a bustling hub of activity as over 100 pots of food were lovingly prepared.

Johnstone-Cassiem, went on to say: “The Mustadafin Foundation’s Eid-ul-Adha food drive is a shining example of the impact that can be made when communities come together in the spirit of compassion and generosity.

“As the organisation continues to serve those in need, it is heartening to see the ripple effect of kindness and goodwill that such initiatives create.

“This remarkable effort would not have been possible without the kindness of our donors, who enable us, throughout the year, to make a difference in the lives of ordinary, struggling South Africans.

“I extend my immense gratitude to all our donors, volunteers, and staff who made this possible, and I hope that their selfless actions inspire others to follow suit.

“Like the Mustadafin motto says – If every man helps his neighbour, then who will need help?”

I know times are tough, and not everyone has spare money or resources to give, but you can give of your time to help those most vulnerable in society.

However, if you are uncertain about which organisations to support, here are some questions you could ask: What campaigns are currently running, and how will these help the local community?

If you are a high-profile donor or a company, can you arrange a visit to the organisation’s premises before donating?

Will you, as the donor, get feedback on how your donation was used?

Also have a look at the organisations website and social media profiles and updates.

Though not the only measure of legitimacy, regular updates of community interactions and projects run – is normally a good indication.

Times are tough – we cannot afford to lose money to “charity skelms”.

You can also easily check the status of an organisation on: NPO registry: www.npo.gov.za.

Though it must be said that there are some organisations in our communities that do amazing work, yet are not on the registry.