On the 02nd of June 2022, Kellogg is joined by the Department of Basic Education as well as Coega Dairy Group to visit Emsengeni Primary School in the Eastern Cape to provide breakfast to learners and staff while educating them about hunger for young bodies and minds and how breakfast programmes have a positive effect on a learner’s day.
In South Africa, food security and hunger remain a concern, with one in five children going to school hungry. As part of its efforts to end hunger and ensure that children get access to nutrition and a constant meal in the morning, Kellogg is helping by donating food to serve approximately 46 700 school children’s breakfast every school day in partnership with the Department of Basic Education. In the Eastern Cape, over 11 000 learners from 15 schools receive breakfast daily.
According to a review of recent research from Kellogg Company Fund, school breakfast programs provide students with benefits beyond nourishment. Around the world, breakfast programs improve children’s health and nutrition outcomes. The research confirms previously identified health, nutrition, and cognitive effects of breakfast programs in South Africa. The importance of these programs in the broader community has also been explored, yielding positive early results – school attendance, friendships, and improved behaviour as children display fewer ‘bad behaviours and benefit from the positive role modelling of ‘good behaviours.
Where breakfast is eaten in the classroom, there is a great opportunity to role model positive behaviors. By eating breakfast together regularly, studies found increased connectedness among students and staff. The Kellogg Better Days Campaign provides learners with an opportunity every day to have a place at the table.
“Since 2014 in SA, Kellogg has supported breakfast school feeding programs that provide students with a nutritious breakfast, time to play with friends, and the academic support that helps ensure they begin school ready to learn,” said Zandile Mposelwa, Corporate Affairs Director.
Growth and development rely heavily on micronutrients, especially for the body and brain. Lack of micronutrients can result in stunted growth, poor brain development. Weak cognitive function and behavioural disorders can lead to poor school performance which is why eating a balanced breakfast at the beginning of the day can contribute to a positive mood, improved memory, and energy. School principals have reported that the daily breakfast has positively affected attendance, punctuality, concentration, and general well-being of the children.
