Proper nutrition is fundamental for a child’s growth, development, and overall well-being. Providing children with a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods ensures their brains receive essential nutrients for proper cognitive development, their immune systems are fortified against illnesses, and their physical growth is supported.
This leads to better performance in school, increased activity levels, and a healthier emotional state.
According to Dr Edzani Mphaphuli, a public health medicine specialist with the Grow Great Campaign in South Africa, if a child does not receive proper nutrition, they can suffer short-term health challenges. This includes fatigue and weakness, a weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to infections, delayed physical and mental development, and even death.
The long-term health issues, she says, include stunted growth and development, cognitive impairments, chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease, bone health issues like osteoporosis, poor academic performance, and reduced productivity.
Signs of severe acute malnutrition
Mphaphuli explains that severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is classified into two primary forms, namely marasmus and kwashiorkor.
Marasmus is characterised by severe wasting and weight loss, with the child appearing very thin and frail due to significant muscle and fat loss. Kwashiorkor, on the other hand, is characterised by oedema (swelling), especially in the feet and legs, as well as other symptoms such as an enlarged liver, skin lesions, hair changes, and an apathetic demeanour.
Despite having a swollen appearance, children with kwashiorkor often have a significant deficiency in essential nutrients, particularly protein, adds Mphaphuli.
“Both marasmus and kwashiorkor are life-threatening conditions that require urgent medical intervention and nutritional rehabilitation.”
Dr Edzani Mphaphuli
Mphaphuli notes that children with SAM have very low weight for height, a visible ribcage and bones, sunken eyes and cheeks, loose skin, severe muscle wasting, poor appetite, lethargy and fatigue, irritability and behavioural changes, dry, brittle hair, infections, and a swollen abdomen.
Another sign of malnutrition in children is obesity.
“Obesity in children requires attention to dietary habits, physical activity, and sometimes medical intervention to prevent long-term health issues,” says Mphaphuli.
Closing the food gap
According to Grow Great, an estimated 2.2 million children in South Africa are not receiving the monthly child grant due to administrative barriers and lack of documentation.
Additionally, the monthly grant is less than the amount needed to meet a person’s minimum required energy needs, known as the food poverty line. Furthermore, the retail price of staple items like maize meal porridge, has outpaced the growth of the national minimum wage.
As a result, one in five households doesn’t have enough food on the table, with 30 children dying daily from malnutrition-related causes and a quarter of children under the age of five being stunted.
This is why the DG Murray Trust (DGMT) and Grow Great are advocating for the proposed double-discounting of 10 budget-friendly food items. These foods were chosen for their ability to provide high nutritional value at the lowest cost, particularly for families living below the food poverty line.
“Our aim is for food manufacturers and retailers to waive the mark-ups of at least one product label of each of these 10 items.”
“We also want the government to support this initiative by agreeing to provide a rebate to retailers and manufacturers, matching the value of their discount on these 10 foods. If this proposal is accepted and implemented, these foods will be at least 30% cheaper.”
Grow Great wants the government, business, and civil society to collaborate to bring down food prices as follows:
- Manufacturers and retailers agree to forego their profits on one product label of the 10 food items.
- Government agrees to provide a subsidy to retailers and manufacturers matching the value of their discount on the 10 items.
- Civil society promotes the 10 budget-friendly food items to help shape consumer behaviour towards the most affordable nutritious foods.
Give children superfoods
Mphaphuli explains that key nutrients essential for children’s growth and development include protein, carbohydrates, fats, calcium, iron, vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B-12, and folate, as well as zinc.
“Plan meals in advance to avoid waste and make the most of available resources. Create shopping lists based on meal plans to stick to a budget.”
Dr Edzani Mphaphuli
She notes that when possible, buy non-perishable items like beans, lentils, and rice in bulk to save money.
Mphaphuli says parents need to:
- Provide a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Include whole grains in meals.
- Ensure adequate protein intake from diverse sources (meat, fish, eggs, legumes).
- Limit sugary snacks and beverages.
- Encourage regular meal and snack times.
- Educate children about healthy eating habits.
- Monitor portion sizes to avoid overeating.
- Stay informed about nutritional needs and guidelines.
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