Nutrition and Food Security

For many families in South Africa, food is not something that can be taken for granted. Putting a meal on the table is not always simple, and for millions of households, access to nutritious food remains uncertain.

Food insecurity continues to affect communities across the country. Around one in five households experience inadequate access to food, according to Statistics South Africa. For many families, this means difficult daily choices about what to eat, how much to eat, and when the next meal will come.

The impact is especially severe for children. An estimated 23% of children in South Africa live in severe food poverty, limiting their access to a nutritious and diverse diet. As a result, around 27–29% of children under five are affected by stunting — a condition caused by chronic undernutrition that can impact both physical growth and cognitive development.

Access to adequate nutrition is closely linked to a child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive. Without it, the effects are not only immediate but can also shape long-term health, development, and opportunity.

Addressing nutrition and food security is therefore a critical step toward building healthier, more resilient communities. At The Star Foundation, this remains a key focus of our work. Through our in-school breakfast programme in partnership with Tiger Brands, we help ensure that learners start their day with the nourishment they need to focus and learn. In addition, our collaboration with SA Harvest supports the rescue and redistribution of nutritious surplus food, reaching vulnerable communities across the country.