Pick n Pay is strengthening back-to-school readiness in rural communities through a new intervention that eases family costs, improves food security and helps vulnerable learners prepare.
The retailer has launched its Project School Takeover initiative, beginning at Bergrivier NGK Primary School, as part of a broader effort to support under-resourced farm schools in communities where it operates. The programme reflects a coordinated approach to education support, combining food relief, learner essentials and school-level assistance at the start of the academic year.
At the first handover, 110 learners received grocery hampers valued at approximately R1 000 each, alongside essential back-to-school items. Additional supplies were also donated directly to the school to strengthen its ability to support learners throughout the year. The learner hampers were funded through Pick n Pay’s Feed the Nation Foundation, with the wider intervention delivered in collaboration with Pick n Pay School Club and supplier partners.
The initiative responds to a persistent challenge in South Africa’s education system. At the beginning of the school year, many families face acute financial pressure, resulting in children arriving at school without basic necessities. By supporting both households and schools simultaneously, Project School Takeover aims to reduce this burden and create a more stable environment for learning.
Pick n Pay describes the programme as an example of how its corporate social investment platforms can work together to deliver practical, dignified support at scale. By aligning food security, education resources and partner contributions, the initiative demonstrates a shared value approach that benefits learners, families and communities.
Feed the Nation Foundation, established by Pick n Pay during the COVID-19 pandemic, marks six years of operation this year. Since its inception, the foundation has focused on addressing hunger among schoolchildren and child-headed households, recognising that food security is fundamental to educational success. Project School Takeover builds on this long-term commitment by intervening at a critical point in the school calendar.
The programme is further supported by Pick n Pay School Club, which provides free educational content to more than 2 750 primary schools across South Africa. Operating as a collaboration platform, School Club enables organisations to pool resources and expertise to support education in underserved communities.
Pick n Pay plans to expand Project School Takeover annually, extending support to more schools across its national footprint. Upcoming visits include schools in Swellendam and KwaZulu-Natal, signalling an intention to grow the initiative beyond a once-off intervention.
By combining food relief, educational resources and institutional support, Project School Takeover positions education support as a form of social investment. In doing so, it reinforces the role of collective action in strengthening learning environments, restoring dignity and building long-term community resilience.
