National school nutrition programme gets boost from Milk South Africa and Danone

The Department of Basic Education’s Directorate of the National School Nutrition Programme has announced an important collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Education, Milk South Africa, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, Danone South Africa, and various other dairy processors. This partnership aims to strengthen nutrition initiatives within schools, focusing on the crucial role of dairy in supporting the health and development of our learners, particularly within the Gauteng province.

Key details of the collaboration

• Place: This particular collaborative effort is centred around the Gauteng province, leveraging the reach of the Gauteng Department of Education.
• Departments and Institutions Involved:
  • The Department of Basic Education’s Directorate of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), which leads the initiative.
  • The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), acting as a key provincial partner.
  • Milk South Africa, representing the dairy industry.
  • The National Osteoporosis Foundation, providing expertise on bone health.
  • Danone South Africa, a significant dairy product manufacturer.
  • Various other dairy processors, contributing to the broader scope of the programme.
• Objective: To enhance the nutritional well-being of school children through improved access to and education about dairy products, supporting overall health and academic performance.

Department activities to support school nutrition

The Department of Basic Education (DBE), through its vital National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), is committed to ensuring that every learner in South Africa has access to nutritious meals. Today marks an exciting step in this commitment as the DBE, in close partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), officially rolled out a significant collaboration focused on enhancing nutrition, especially the role of dairy, in schools. This initiative brings together leading organisations such as Milk South Africa, the National Osteoporosis Foundation, Danone South Africa, and other key players in the dairy industry.

This partnership is about more than just providing food; it’s about investing in the future health and cognitive development of our children. Dairy products are well-known for being rich in calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth, which is particularly critical during a child’s formative years. By working with the National Osteoporosis Foundation, we are ensuring that the programme is informed by expert knowledge on bone health, aiming to build a generation with robust health foundations.

Our collaboration with Milk South Africa and various dairy processors, including Danone South Africa, means we can ensure a sustainable supply of quality dairy products to schools that are part of the NSNP. This also fosters a stronger link between the agricultural sector and our education system, supporting local economies while benefiting our learners. The Gauteng Department of Education is playing a crucial role in the provincial implementation, ensuring that the benefits reach the schools and children most in need within its jurisdiction.

The NSNP already provides meals to millions of learners across the country, alleviating short-term hunger and encouraging attendance and concentration in class. This new dairy-focused expansion reinforces the message of balanced nutrition and the importance of healthy eating habits from a young age. We believe that a well-nourished child is better equipped to learn, thrive, and contribute positively to society. You can find more information about our national programmes on the official Department of Basic Education website.

Questions and answers for the public

1. What is the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP)?
   The NSNP is a government programme that provides nutritious meals to learners in selected public schools across South Africa, aiming to address food insecurity, improve concentration, and encourage school attendance.
2. Why is the DBE collaborating with dairy organisations?
   This collaboration aims to enhance the nutritional content of school meals, specifically by promoting the benefits of dairy products. Dairy is crucial for children’s growth and bone development, which directly impacts their health and ability to learn.
3. Which provinces benefit from this specific dairy initiative?
   While the NSNP is national, this particular collaboration is being rolled out with the active involvement of the Gauteng Department of Education, meaning schools in Gauteng are a primary focus for this dairy-enriched programme.
4. How does improved nutrition affect students’ learning?
   Children who receive adequate nutrition are better able to concentrate in class, have higher energy levels, and are less prone to illness, all of which contribute to improved academic performance and overall school engagement.
5. Are there plans to expand this dairy initiative to other provinces?
   The DBE continuously assesses the success of such programmes and explores opportunities for expansion. The initial focus in Gauteng will provide valuable insights for potential national roll-out.
6. How can parents learn more about healthy eating for their children?
   Parents are encouraged to speak to school nutrition coordinators, health practitioners, and consult resources from organisations like the National Osteoporosis Foundation or the Department of Health for guidance on balanced diets.
7. How can the public support the NSNP and similar initiatives?
   The public can support by promoting healthy eating habits in their communities, volunteering at schools, or by engaging with local education departments and non-profit organisations focused on child nutrition.
8. Where can I find more news and updates on Department of Basic Education activities?
   You can always visit the official Department of Basic Education website, or for more news and updates on various school-related activities, please check out SchoolClick News.