As we close off National Nutrition Week, the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) reaffirms its commitment to building a food-secure nation by providing nutritious meals to vulnerable communities across South Africa. In alignment with its mission to drive inclusive socio-economic development, the DBSA extends vital support to Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, addressing the urgent issue of child hunger and malnutrition.
To date, the DBSA’s child nutrition initiatives reach over 166 ECD centres in five provinces, delivering daily nutritious meals to more than 6,985 children across 53 school days. These programmes, aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty, deliver over 453,863 meals, giving children the essential nourishment needed for growth and cognitive development.
Lunga Schoeman, Programme Manager for Corporate Social Investment (CSI) at the DBSA, emphasises the importance of addressing food insecurity: “Food security is a fundamental human right. Providing nutritious meals to vulnerable children is essential not only for their well-being but also for promoting agricultural development and supporting community projects that fight hunger, ultimately helping to feed our nation.”
The DBSA’s collaboration with partners such as The Lunchbox Fund and Rise Against Hunger plays an instrumental role in these efforts. In the first and second quarters of 2024 alone, the partnership with The Lunchbox Fund facilitated the distribution of 292,103 meals to children, improving both school attendance and learning outcomes. Similarly, the partnership with Rise Against Hunger enables the delivery of 161,764 meals to underserved communities.
“These partnerships are part of a broader strategy to empower communities, reduce hunger, and eliminate inequality,” adds Schoeman. “Our initiatives align with the National Development Plan (NDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that we meet the socio-economic needs of our communities sustainably.”
As one of Africa’s leading development finance institutions, the DBSA remains dedicated to creating lasting and positive change. By leveraging its resources and partnerships, the bank continues to address hunger and malnutrition, key drivers of inequality, while transforming communities and laying the foundation for a more prosperous Africa.