World Food Day

Leave “No One Behind”

At the beginning of 2022, over 340 million people around the world suffered severe hunger. Every 16 October, the United Nations marks World Food Day which reminds us that our Early Childhood Development interventions in nutrition and food security remains a critical component for a child’s holistic development. Without good nutrition a child cannot play or learn and their cognitive, physical, social and emotional development is impeded.

According to the child gauge 2020 report In South Africa*, 27% of children are stunted, meaning that these children will likely not reach their full growth and developmental potential because of the irreversible physical and cognitive damage caused by persistent nutritional deprivations.

In order to improve the quality of education and to break the inter-generational cycle of poverty – Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres must be strengthened to provide a strong foundation for learning and development. Access to adequate and consistent nutritional support is crucial, which is why the Sasol ECD programme has taken on different multiple interventions to mitigate food and nutrition risks.

In collaboration with our implementing partners, The Unlimited Child, Topsy Foundation, Rotary Club, Penreach and ForAfrika Sasol has supported 140 ECD Centres in Mpumalanga, Free State, Kwa Zulu Natal and Limpopo reaching a total of 7303 children through the provision of a nutritious breakfast and lunch meal, establishment of food gardens and through the provision of nutrition education.

When the flood disaster struck in Kwa Zulu Natal, we immediately responded by ensuring that 27 ECD centres, 1323 children are provided with 2 meals a day while they recover from the devastation of the floods.

Most of these ECD Centres operate in impoverished communities where the unemployment rate is at its peak and many of the parents rely on the ECD centres to provide a nutritious meal for their children. As Sasol we remain committed in striving for Zero Hunger in our communities.