Attended by various key stakeholders, including the Limpopo MEC of Education, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, and the Department of basic education (DBE) DDG, Dr Granville Whittle, TBF says this development underscores the foundation's commitment in collaboration with the (DBE) in combating food insecurity and fostering a conducive learning environment for learners in TBF's beneficiary schools across South Africa. 

The initiative is built upon a public-private partnership, a collaboration that has consistently delivered tangible benefits to learners since its inception in 2011, adds the foundation. 

A total of R2 472 791 was invested in the Limpopo province for school infrastructure expansion. This included the construction of a new kitchen at Khabele Primary School in Bela-Bela, valued at R1 020 000. Additionally, kitchen renovations were undertaken at Dagbreek Primary School, Maokeng Primary School and Modimolle Primary School in Modimolle, with total investment in these projects amounting to R1 452 791, says TBF. 

"At TBF, nutrition, food safety and hygiene are the cornerstone of everything we do," says Eugene Absolom, Director of the Tiger Brands Foundation. "Building on Limpopo's progress in reducing food insecurity, with only 5.7% of households experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity in 2023, the infrastructure investment, featuring modern equipment and adherence to stringent hygiene and safety standards aligns with the National School Nutrition Programme's (NSNP) guidelines, ensuring that learners start their day with the nourishment needed to focus, learn and thrive."

"These kitchens will serve as hubs for the safe preparation and distribution of nutritious daily breakfasts and lunches to learners in these local schools," adds Absolom.

To ensure high-quality standards for the in-school breakfast programme, TBF says it has a volunteer food handler skills development training programme strategically aligned with the foundation's overarching objective of promoting sustainable livelihoods. Through this South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) accredited training programme, the foundation also celebrated the graduation of 55 food handlers. 

The programme delivers a standardised capacity-building curriculum for food handlers across all operational areas and extends beyond basic duties to provide broader training in crucial areas such as food safety, hygiene, food preparation, as well as job seeking and entrepreneurship fundamentals. Ultimately, this training aims to significantly improve participants' chances of future employability or empower them to start their own businesses, thereby fostering self-reliance, says the foundation. 

Furthermore, the programme is intentionally geared towards addressing key targets outlined in the National Development Programme (NDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically those related to poverty eradication, the promotion of good health and well-being and the creation of decent work and economic growth, adds TBF. 

This expansion, together with the training of food handlers in Limpopo, reflects the foundation's ongoing efforts to extend its impact and reach to more learners in underserved communities. By providing these essential kitchen facilities, TBF says it not only ensures the efficient and hygienic preparation of meals but also contributes to the dignity of the learners and the empowerment of local communities. 

"This expansion marks another significant step in our journey to nourish the potential of South Africa's children," says Absolom. "These four new kitchens are vital infrastructure that will enable us to provide thousands more learners with the daily nutrition they need to succeed. We believe that a hungry learner cannot effectively benefit from the academic programme, and by investing in these facilities, we are investing directly in their future and the future of our nation. We are proud to partner with the Bela-Bela and Modimolle community to make a tangible difference in the lives of these young individuals." 

TBF concludes that looking ahead, this investment will ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the in-school quality breakfast programme, creating a positive ripple effect within the communities TBF serves, as it remains dedicated to the mission of addressing food insecurity and malnutrition, one nutritious breakfast and one well-equipped kitchen at a time. 

For more information, visit www.tigerbrandsfoundation.co.za. You can also follow TBF on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of Facebook