Closing the food gap

No Child Should Go Hungry

It’s Time to Close the Food Gap

Every child in South Africa has the right to food. Yet right now, 1 in 3 children live in households that can’t meet their basic nutritional needs. That’s not just unfair, it’s dangerous. Malnutrition is the most urgent child health crisis in our country, and it's putting our children’s futures and South Africa’s future at risk.

The Hold My Hand Accelerator has launched the first in a series of Policy Briefs: Closing the Food Gap. It highlights a set of bold, practical actions to ensure that all children have access to the nutrition they need to survive and thrive.

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Here’s what we’re calling for:

More affordable food: A food voucher for new mothers and a “double discount” on 10 protein-rich foods, so nutritious meals are no longer out of reach.

Stronger local food systems: Support for small-scale farmers, food hubs and informal traders to bring fresh, affordable food to every community.‍

Better quality nutrition: Strengthen monitoring and accountability for fortification of staple foods with essential vitamins and minerals.

Support for mothers and babies: A maternal support grant, multiple micronutrient supplements, and targeted help for low-birthweight babies.

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By closing the food gap, we can reduce stunting, improve learning, and boost our economy by as much as R90 billion a year. Download the policy here

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