For people from disadvantaged backgrounds, a feeding scheme could be the only thing they depend on for their next meal.
This was realised when a governmental school, Rosebank Primary, initiated a feeding scheme in 2008 for schoolchildren who often go hungry because there is nothing to eat in their homes.
A teacher at the school, Gail Frankiskos, said children often find it difficult to concentrate during class when they are feeling hungry.
“The purpose of the Rosebank Primary School feeding scheme is to ensure that identified learners from families who are under financial pressure are provided with a healthy, balanced meal on a daily basis,” said Frankiskos.
“By providing a balanced meal, learners are better able to cope with concentration, and short-term hunger can be alleviated, thus hopefully assisting with the child’s academic performance.”
To keep feeding the little ones, the school is in need of food sponsors and donations to sustain providing breakfast, in-between snacks and prepared lunches for the young ones after school.
Another teacher, Samantha Griessel said, “In order to be eligible for the feeding scheme, an initial identification needs to be carried out by the class teacher. If the class teacher observes that a particular child is not receiving an adequate meal, they report the child to the teachers who are responsible for the feeding scheme.”
The cost of living has become too high and the school uses funds to buy monthly groceries to feed about 20 learners and to pay their cook, who often cleans up afterwards.
Due to this, the school is currently looking for additional sponsors and donors to assistant in buying more necessities.
Ideally, a financial sponsor who would contribute on a monthly basis or even assist on an ad-hoc basis is exactly what the primary school needs. Food donations are also most appreciated.
“We currently receive monetary sponsorships from OnQ Research who provide us with monthly donations. We use these funds to purchase food for the feeding scheme. We are also fortunate enough to receive a weekly donation of bread and the occasional sweet treats (cakes or pastries) from Doppio Zero Rosebank as well as from Soul Food on an ad-hoc basis,” explained Griessel.
It is unfortunate that, with the rising costs of food, even these donations are no longer sufficient to cover the costs of balanced meals for the learners in need.
Would you like to make a contribution to help the needy? Send your messages to koketsor@caxton.co.za
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