Good nutrition in early childhood is one of the most impactful investments a nation can make in its future. The earliest years of a child’s life are a critical window of opportunity, not just for growth, but for setting the foundation for a lifetime of learning and success.
As National Nutrition Week – from 9 to 15 October, and World Food Day on 16 October – approaches, organisations like the Do More Foundation (DMF) highlight this powerful truth.
The link between a child’s diet and their future potential is undeniable, rooted in the science of early development. A remarkable 90% of brain development occurs during the first five years of life. To fuel this rapid development, children require consistent, nourishing meals.
Research paints a clear picture: chronic malnutrition, leading to stunting in early childhood, is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s future learning and earning potential. Without the right nutrients, their ability to engage with the world, develop essential skills, and thrive is significantly compromised.
“Investing in nutrition is an investment in South Africa’s future,” says Dr Jessica Ronassen, DMF’s advocacy lead. “When children have access to nutritious food, they are better able to engage in learning, develop critical skills, and thrive both in the classroom and beyond.”
ECD centres: The frontline of care
Early childhood development (ECD) centres are vital in providing young children with both education and care. Every school day, ECD practitioners are on the frontlines, delivering early learning, nurturing care, and essential daily meals. They witness firsthand the transformative power of a good diet, knowing that a child who eats well learns better and is more likely to succeed later in life.
This makes ECD centres a crucial entry point for addressing nutrition gaps through feeding schemes, growth monitoring, and nutrition education. However, many centres face immense challenges, as government subsidies often lag behind the rising cost of food.
Despite these hurdles, practitioners demonstrate incredible dedication to ensuring the children in their care receive the best possible start. By equipping these champions of care with nutrition literacy and practical resources, they can, in turn, empower families and communities to make informed choices that support children’s health.
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The challenge and the way forward
Malnutrition in South Africa presents a complex, dual challenge: while one in four children under the age of five is stunted due to undernutrition, the country is also seeing rising rates of childhood obesity – currently affecting 1 in 8 young children.
With nearly half of South African households living on less than R1 000 a month, finding affordable and healthy meals can be a severe struggle.
Bridging this nutrition gap requires collaborative effort across all sectors. Organisations like DMF have been working since 2017 to strengthen early nutrition in communities. Their efforts include food provision, education, and strategic partnerships.
In the past year alone, the DMF and its partners delivered over 7.5 million meals of a specially formulated porridge, reaching nearly 35 000 children. This porridge is designed to support healthy growth and crucial brain development in children under five.
This support is invaluable on the ground. “DMF’s support, through parent/caregiver support and nutrition programmes, plays a vital role in ensuring that children at our ECD centres receive the daily nourishment they need,” shares Nozibusiso Zikhaki of Lulamaphiko in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
“This support strengthens early learning, promotes healthy development, and helps create a more dignified and supportive environment for both children and practitioners.”
Nozibusiso Zikhaki
Ultimately, investing in children’s nutrition isn’t just about fighting hunger; it’s about unlocking potential. Well-nourished children are far more likely to thrive in school, participate fully in society, and contribute to the country’s future prosperity.
“This is a moment of opportunity,” adds Jabu Mthembu-Dlamini, DMF’s young child programmes lead. “We know what works, and we have incredible practitioners, communities, and partners already making a difference. We have the chance to ensure that every child, no matter their background, has the nourishment they need to thrive.”
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