Local Food Mamas are turning daily school meals into nourishment, dignity and a better chance to learn
Hunger remains a daily reality for millions of South African children. UNICEF estimates that 23% of children in South Africa live in severe child food poverty, meaning they do not have access to enough nutritious foods to support healthy growth and development. Addressing this requires more than providing calories. Children need regular access to diverse, nourishing meals that support their ability to learn, grow and thrive.
Government school nutrition programmes provide critical support to millions of learners. However, hunger does not always begin and end with the school term. Many preschool children and schools that are ineligible for government support, or that face food shortages despite it, continue to depend on community-based feeding programmes.
One of these is The Lunchbox Fund, a non-profit organisation that provides a nutritious daily meal at schools and early childhood development centres in food-insecure communities across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
Through restaurant chain Kauai‘s 30th birthday campaign, its partnership with The Lunchbox Fund promises to donate 100 000 meals to children. Behind each of these meals are local women – Food Mamas – who arrive early, prepare the food and recognise what hunger looks like before a child says a word.
Khululwa Joka, a mother of 12-year-old twins who grew up in Keiskammahoek and now lives in St Francis, previously worked as a cleaner at the school where she is now a Food Mama. She prepares meals for 100 children each day.
“I have gained confidence,” says Joka. “I am proud to prepare food for these children and to do it with love. They are our future, and I am grateful for the small part I can play in their lives.”
For Caroline Chauque, the working day begins at 7 am with cleaning the kitchen, checking supplies and preparing warm porridge for 50 children. She says hunger is often visible in children who are sleepy, crying, unable to focus or watching the kitchen closely.
“After they have eaten, they have much more energy. They laugh, play and learn better,” says Chauque. She recalls one quiet little boy who gradually began smiling and gaining weight after receiving regular meals. “That showed me that porridge gives children confidence too.”
Nomzingiso Mthini says employing women from within the communities creates care, trust and shared responsibility. “When women work together, they can achieve a lot and make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
Sue Wildish, CEO of The Lunchbox Fund, says the Food Mamas are central to the programme’s delivery and impact. “They ensure that children receive consistent nutrition that supports attendance and learning, while creating a caring and stable environment. The monthly stipend also supports the women’s own households, building confidence, independence and leadership.”
The initiative turns everyday interactions into support. Every scan of Kauai’s birthday QR code available in store, on delivery bikes and at upcoming Kauai events helps donate a meal through The Lunchbox Fund.
“Nutrition can influence a child’s ability to concentrate, participate and learn,” says Dean Kowarski, Founder and Global CEO of Kauai and Virgin Active. “As Kauai marks 30 years, we want the celebration to help put nutritious meals within reach of more children and support the women doing this essential work every day.”
You can contribute by scanning Kauai’s birthday QR code nationwide.