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“Our successful school nutrition programme has expanded year-on-year to assist more and more learners,” she said.
“In addition to supplying food, the scheme encourages food production, for example, in school food gardens, and education on nutrition.”
She believes the programme will turn around the fortunes of the 473 770 pupils from 1 015 schools who currently rely on the WCED’s school feeding scheme.
“The programme has expanded year-on-year, with allocations to the feeding scheme having more than doubled since 2009/2010. This year is no different.
“The amount allocated to the feeding programme for the 2016/2017 financial year is just over R315 million,” she said.
But she’s worried about the impact the recent spike in food prices could have on feeding schemes.
She believes projects such as the Cavalleria Primary food garden are key to helping vulnerable communities ride out the turbulence of the tough times that lie ahead.
“We are encouraged to see that some schools are creating innovative projects to further supplement their school feeding needs. Cavalleria Primary School in Scottsdene is one such school.
“They have created an extraordinary food garden which is an excellent example of the kind of innovation that we wish to see in our schools.”