Key Takeaways
- Ladles of Love has launched an urgent appeal to provide nutritious meals to underprivileged children in South Africa
- 23% of South African children live in severe child food poverty and are at risk of life-threatening malnutrition
- The organisation aims to provide two nutritious meals a day for one child at school throughout 2026 for a contribution of R300 per month
- Malnutrition stunts growth and has long-term consequences, including developmental delays, academic struggles, and higher unemployment rates
- Early learning programmes with feeding components have proven to be a critical intervention in reducing stunting rates and improving academic performance
Introduction to the Crisis
The festive season is a time for celebration and joy, but for many South African children, it’s a reminder of the struggles they face every day. Ladles of Love founder Danny Diliberto highlights the harsh reality that many children return to school without having had a full stomach, and the organisation has launched an urgent appeal to fellow South Africans to assist. The campaign, titled Christmastime, Ready for Grade 1, asks for a contribution of R300 per month to provide two nutritious meals a day for one child at school throughout 2026. Diliberto emphasizes that feeding a child secures a future not just for that child, but for all of us.
The Prevalence of Child Malnutrition
The data compiled by Ladles of Love paints a dark picture of child malnutrition in South Africa. According to UNICEF, 23% of South African children live in severe child food poverty and are at risk of life-threatening malnutrition. Nearly 40% of children under six live in households below the food poverty line. In 2022 and 2023 alone, 15 000 children were hospitalised for severe acute malnutrition, a 33% increase compared with 2020. Diliberto notes that the situation is increasingly urgent, with 9 000 children and teachers being fed today without secure funding for most of them. There are also 3 000 more children who could start Grade 1 ready to learn if they can be reached now.
The Impact of Malnutrition
The impact of malnutrition is visible at the preschool level. Monica November, principal of Hope of Africa Preschool in Delft, Western Cape, says that many children arrive at the school physically frail and undernourished, and their academic progress is slow. However, since joining the Ladles of Love Nourish Our Children programme, the impact of a sated appetite on a desire for learning and an ability to learn has been exceptional. Children who are nourished gain weight and height, attend school more regularly, fall ill less often, and show marked improvements in concentration, confidence, and learning.
Long-term Consequences of Malnutrition
The long-term consequences of sustained malnutrition are well documented. Children who are stunted are more likely to start school with developmental delays, struggle academically, and face higher unemployment rates as adults. Early learning programmes with feeding components have proven to be a critical intervention. Children attending these programmes show a stunting rate of just 5.7%, compared with 15.6% in the general population. Around 90% of such programmes provide at least one meal a day, making them a vital source of nutrition and health support.
The Importance of School Readiness
Yolanda Jones, programme manager at Ladles of Love, notes that the difference between a child who is ready for Grade 1 and one who is not often comes down to something as basic as a meal. School readiness is not about new uniforms or backpacks, but about whether a child’s brain has been properly nourished to support focus, memory, and healthy growth. The organisation’s campaign aims to provide the necessary nutrition to support children’s growth and development, giving them a better chance of success in school and beyond.
Conclusion
The child malnutrition crisis in South Africa is a gigantic challenge that requires urgent attention. Ladles of Love’s campaign, Christmastime, Ready for Grade 1, is a step in the right direction, providing an opportunity for South Africans to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. By contributing R300 per month, individuals can help provide two nutritious meals a day for one child at school throughout 2026. The impact of malnutrition is far-reaching, and it’s essential to address this issue to secure a better future for all children.
