Cape Town - The Peninsula School Feeding Association (PSFA) fight against childhood hunger to help kids to learn, grow and thrive, has received a major boost.
The association recently received a donation of R1.5 million from KFC Add Hope, which will be used to feed school children affected by poverty in the Western Cape.
The donation will enable PSFA to provide 905 400 meals to 3030 pupils from nine schools in the Western Cape for a calendar year, which are on their feeding programme.
The schools include Blue Downs Primary, Gateway Primary, HJ Kroneberg Primary, St Michael’s Primary, Summerdale High and Oval North High.
Principal at St Michael’s Primary School Benedicta Ngalwa said this was a great initiative as most of their pupils come to school without meals.
“It is very important(for children to have something to eat) because a full tummy gives confidence and helps our pupils to concentrate in the classroom.
“St Michael’s Primary will never take PSFA’s feeding programme at our school for granted as it adds value to the lives of poor families,” Ngalwa said.
Fundraising manager of the PSFA Charles Grey said for the past 64 years the organisation had served meals to pupils affected by poverty thanks to the loyal support of their donors.
“KFC Add Hope is now one of our new corporate donors. PSFA is absolutely thrilled that this company has made this fantastic donation towards our school feeding programme.
“It is vitally important to feed children at schools in South Africa because you can’t teach a hungry child. According to a report compiled by the University of Cape Town’s Children’s Institute, three out of every four children in South Africa are living in poverty, with approximately 30% of the country’s population experiencing food insecurity.
“PSFA’s school feeding programme is specifically structured to address hunger. It impacts positively on the learner’s nutritional status. Each meal provided meets at least 33% of the pupils recommended daily allowance,”he said.
Brand purpose and reputation manager at KFC Andra Nel said: “I have been really inspired by the PSFA organisation’s ability to continue its work across multiple decades, remain sustainable and focussed on the task at hand.
“It is really remarkable that they are able to utilise 100% of the donation for the feeding programme and that they reach so many children impacting food security and ultimately feeding the potential of the future of our country.
“More than ever, we want a future South Africa where all kids have access to the food they need to learn, grow and thrive. But the need is so great that we know that we cannot do this alone, which is why the opportunity for our customers to give R2 and partner with us was started. We remain committed to doing all that we can to sustainably fight childhood hunger,” Nel said.
Weekend Argus