Title : Assessing the dietary impact of COVID-19 on in-school nutrition programmes in South Africa
Abstract:
Background: During a child's formative years, access to adequate food and proper nutrition is paramount. Optimal nutrition serves as the foundation for their physical growth, cognitive development and overall wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic however exacerbated food insecurity and significantly disrupted the ability of schools to regularly feed children.
Aims: To objectively assess the impact of COVID-19 on the in-school nutrition programmes in four South African provinces and to evaluate the food costs per meal versus the quality and quantity of food being served to the children.
Setting: Cross-sectional survey of three schools per Province in four South African provinces namely – Gauteng, Western Cape, Northwest, and Kwazulu-Natal.
Methodology: Districts and schools were randomly selected from a list provided by the Tigerbrands Foundation (TBF). Data was collected from April to May 2022. A qualitative approach which employed the use of interviews at selected schools, was used in this study. In each school, a Principal, a Teacher, and a Food handler were interviewed using three different questionnaires. The interviews were transcribed, and the data analyzed with the use of ATLAS.ti software version 22.0.
Results: The meal cost per learner per day varies between R3.02-R3.52 only. The interviews reported that the in-school nutrition programmes have added value to the schools/communities despite the quality and quantity of food being served. It was reported that the schools offered less variety, less fruit and proteins, and the portions were not enough to fill the children. The food quality was without flavor, and sometimes not prepared well. Regarding meal preferences, ‘Jungle oats’ and ‘rice with fish’ were the most preferred breakfast and lunch meals, respectively. The most disliked breakfast was mabele instant porridge while the most disliked lunch was soya mince.
Conclusion/Recommendations: Both TBF and NSNP feeding programmes have recorded positive impacts on the communities. For better results, more spices/flavours should be added to some of the foods (like the soya mince) to make them more appealing. This will help in reducing food wastes and further improve the nutritional status of the school-fed children.
Keywords: In-school nutrition, Feeding programmes, Impact assessment, South Africa
Audience Take Away:
• Gain a better understanding of School Nutrition Programmes in South Africa
• Prepare he audience on how to deal with similar situations during future pandemics
• This study provides practical solutions in the improvement of School feeding programmes
• Understanding food security in Schools
