National Nutrition Week: Investing in Young Children’s Nutrition

Oct 13
6 min read

PUBLISHED: 13 October 2025 | 6 MINUTE READ

Building Tomorrow, One Meal at a Time

Each year, National Nutrition Week (09 – 15 October) and World Food Day (16 October) remind us of a simple yet powerful truth: the foundation of a nation’s future is built in the earliest years of life. The DO MORE FOUNDATION (DMF), through its ongoing initiatives, is calling attention to the undeniable link between good nutrition, learning, and lifelong success.

In a country where one in four children under the age of five is stunted due to poor nutrition, investing in the health and nourishment of young children isn’t just a moral duty, it’s an economic and social necessity.

As DMF’s Advocacy Lead, Dr. Jessica Ronassen, beautifully puts it:

“Investing in nutrition is an investment in South Africa’s future. When children have access to nutritious food, they are better able to engage in learning, develop critical skills, and thrive both in the classroom and beyond.”

Why Young Children's Nutrition Matters for Learning

Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain develops before the age of five? Those first few years are absolutely crucial. During this time, the brain forms connections that shape learning ability, emotional well-being, and even future income potential. But here’s the kicker, without proper nutrition, those connections can be stunted, just like a plant deprived of sunlight.

Stunting, caused by chronic malnutrition, doesn’t just affect a child’s height; it impacts cognitive development, concentration, and performance in school. Studies have shown that children who are well-nourished in their early years are more likely to stay in school, achieve higher grades, and grow into productive adults.

So, when we talk about feeding a child, we’re not just filling stomachs; we’re feeding potential, dreams, and futures.

To address this, early interventions such as:

Feeding schemes,
Nutrition education programs, and
Growth monitoring

...are proving to be game changers, especially in under-resourced Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres. These initiatives empower parents, caregivers, and practitioners with the knowledge and tools to ensure children receive balanced meals that support both body and brain development.

ECD Practitioners: The Unsung Heroes of Early Nutrition

Behind every thriving child stands a dedicated ECD practitioner, often the first teacher, caregiver, and nurturer outside the home.

Every school day, these practitioners serve not only education but also compassion and care through daily meals and structured learning. They understand better than anyone that a child who eats well learns better.

However, many of South Africa’s ECD centres face ongoing challenges. With government subsidies lagging behind rising food prices, it’s often a struggle to provide consistent, nutritious meals. Despite these hurdles, practitioners continue to show resilience and resourcefulness, ensuring children get the best possible start in life.

When these practitioners are supported with nutrition literacy, training, and practical resources, they become powerful advocates for change, extending healthy habits from the classroom into the home.

As one ECD practitioner, Nozibusiso Zikhaki from Lulamaphiko in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal, shared:

“DMF’s support, through parent/caregiver programmes and nutrition initiatives, plays a vital role in ensuring that children at our ECD centres receive the daily nourishment they need. This support strengthens early learning, promotes healthy development, and helps create a more dignified and supportive environment for both children and practitioners.”

The Double Burden: Undernutrition and Obesity in South Africa

South Africa faces a complex nutritional landscape, one where undernutrition and obesity coexist. It’s a double burden that paints a troubling picture:

1 in 4 children under five is stunted, and
1 in 8 is obese.

For many families living on less than R1,000 a month, affordable, healthy meals are increasingly out of reach. The rising cost of living means more children are eating processed foods high in calories but low in nutrients, fueling the cycle of poor health, learning challenges, and inequality.

Tackling this issue requires a multi-sectoral approach, where government policies, business investments, and civil society initiatives align toward one shared goal: ensuring that no child in South Africa goes without the nourishment they need to thrive.

The DO MORE FOUNDATION: Turning Compassion into Action

Since its establishment in 2017, the DO MORE FOUNDATION (DMF), founded by RCL FOODS, has been on a mission to create “better tomorrows” for South Africa’s young children and their families.

Through strategic partnerships and community-driven programs, DMF has been bridging the nutrition gap, particularly in early learning spaces.

In the past year alone, DMF and its partners have:

Delivered over 7.5 million meals of its specially formulated DoMore Porridge
Reached nearly 35,000 children across 37 communities
Supported ECD centres in ensuring children receive the right nutrients during their most critical years

The DoMore Porridge, designed specifically for children under five, is packed with vitamins and minerals that support healthy growth and brain development. It’s a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can come together to make real change.

As Jabu Mthembu-Dlamini, DMF’s Young Child Programmes Lead, shares:

“This is a moment of opportunity. We know what works, and we have incredible practitioners, communities, and partners already making a difference. We have the chance to ensure that every child, no matter their background, has the nourishment they need to thrive.”

How Everyone Can Get Involved

National Nutrition Week is more than a calendar event; it’s a call to action. It’s about recognising that solving malnutrition isn’t just about addressing hunger; it’s about unlocking the potential of an entire generation.

So, how can you help?

1. Support Local ECD Centres

Donate food, learning materials, or sponsor meal programs for early childhood centres in your area. Even small contributions can have a massive impact.

2. Partner with the DO MORE FOUNDATION

Businesses and organizations can partner with DMF to strengthen early nutrition programs, fund porridge distribution, or sponsor caregiver education sessions.

To get involved, reach out to their Fundraising Coordinator: kris.fenton@domore.org.za or visit www.domore.org.za.

3. Spread Awareness

Share stories, statistics, and initiatives about child nutrition on your platforms. Awareness drives action, and your voice matters.

4. Advocate for Policy Change

Encourage local leaders and policymakers to prioritise child nutrition funding, improve food subsidies, and support early development initiatives.

Nourishing Hope: A Shared Responsibility

The path to a stronger South Africa begins with a nourished child. When every young learner has access to nutritious food, they gain more than energy for the day; they gain the tools for a lifetime of success.

By working together, governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals can ensure that every child, regardless of their birthplace, has the opportunity to thrive.

Because feeding a child today isn’t just an act of kindness, it’s an investment in South Africa’s future.

Key Takeaways

Good nutrition in the first five years fuels brain development and learning.
ECD practitioners are key allies in delivering daily nutrition and care.
South Africa faces both stunting and obesity, requiring united action.
The DO MORE FOUNDATION’s community programs are closing the nutrition gap.
Everyone, from individuals to large businesses, can play a role in ensuring children eat well and grow strong.

FAQs

1. What is National Nutrition Week? It’s an annual awareness campaign (09–15 October) focused on promoting healthy eating and nutrition education across South Africa.

2. What does the DO MORE FOUNDATION do? DMF works with partners to support early childhood development, focusing on nutrition, learning, and community upliftment.

3. Why is early nutrition so important? Because 90% of brain development happens before age five, making good nutrition essential for cognitive, emotional, and physical growth.

4. How can I contribute? You can donate, volunteer, or partner with DMF. Visit www.domore.org.za or email kris.fenton@domore.org.za.

Final Thoughts: Feeding Futures, One Child at a Time

When we invest in children’s nutrition, we’re investing in the very fabric of South Africa’s future, in healthier communities, stronger learners, and a more prosperous nation.

So this National Nutrition Week, let’s do more ~ together ~ to ensure every child has a fair shot at a bright tomorrow.

External Resources:

Disclaimer: WorkingMama Magazine reserves the right to use and publish images of children taken through the DO MORE Foundation’s programmes for awareness, advocacy, and promotional purposes in line with child protection and privacy regulations.