FoodForward SA has ramped up efforts to combat childhood malnutrition in the Eastern Cape, offering hope and sustenance to vulnerable children in need.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (02 May 2024) – In a province where the beauty of its landscapes contrasts sharply with the harsh realities faced by many of its inhabitants, a glimmer of hope shines through the darkness of childhood malnutrition.
In response to alarming statistics revealing the extent of this crisis in the Eastern Cape, a local non-profit organisation, FoodForward SA, has stepped up its efforts to ensure that children in the hardest-hit communities have access to the nutritious meals they need to thrive.
The numbers are sobering. According to a report by the South African Human Rights Commission, over 1,700 children under the age of five were newly diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition in the period from August 2022 to September 2023, with over 100 tragic deaths recorded. These figures, however alarming, likely only scratch the surface of the true extent of the problem. With one in four children in the province suffering from stunted growth, it’s evident that urgent action is needed to address this crisis.
The consequences of childhood malnutrition are profound and far-reaching.
Stunting, a result of inadequate nutrition, not only affects physical growth but also hampers cognitive development, perpetuating a cycle of poor health and limited opportunities. Without intervention, these children risk being trapped in a cycle of poverty with dim prospects for the future. The toll of malnutrition on individuals, families, and society as a whole is staggering, bringing to light the urgency of the situation.
Operating from their warehouse in Gqeberha, FoodForward SA has partnered with local beneficiaries who share a common goal of combating food insecurity.
Founded in 2009 in South Africa, FoodForward SA is part of a global movement and is the country’s largest food distribution organisation.
Andy Du Plessis, FoodForward SA’s Managing Director, highlights the imbalance between food waste and need in South Africa, stating, “Despite South Africa being a country in which so many face food insecurity, one-third of food is wasted.”
“Through sourcing, collecting, storing, and distributing surplus edible food from various points in the supply chain, FoodForward SA is working to address this disparity and make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.”
The crisis of child malnutrition in the Eastern Cape is not isolated to that province alone. Behind the statistics lie the stories of thousands of innocent lives whose potential is stifled by hunger. FoodForward SA has issued a call to action to farmers and retailers who can contribute surplus food to reach out to them. By donating surplus food, individuals and businesses can play a vital role in alleviating food insecurity and giving children in the Eastern Cape a chance at a brighter future. For those who wish to contribute, FoodForward SA can be contacted at 021-531-5670 or via email at info@foodforwardsa.org.
Every donation, no matter how small, has the power to make a difference in the lives of those most in need. Together, we can turn the tide on childhood malnutrition and build a healthier, more prosperous future for all.
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