National School Nutrition Programme
The National School Nutrition Programme in the NC is committed to provide an effective and efficient service to all learners in public schools through the implementation of an integrated nutrition and food production programme.
The objective of the programme is provide targeted learners with a nutritious meal daily, so as to contribute to enhanced learning capacity.
Through the NSNP we are able to provide at least one nutritious meal to 267 427 learners in 503 primary and secondary schools. Through this programme, we are able to provide a decent meal to 239 322 learners in no fee schools through the Conditional Grant. The Department continues to provide through the NSNP a decent meal to all learners even during lockdown, which they can collect from their nearest school.
The objectives of the Programme are:
- · To contribute to enhanced learning capacity through school feeding,
- · To promote food production initiatives.
- · To strengthen nutrition education for the school community.
The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) therefore has three main integrated components namely School Feeding, Sustainable Food Production and Nutrition Education
SCHOOL FEEDING
Through School Feeding, the Department of Education is attempting to address the plight of poor learners in quintiles 1 to 3 by providing them with nutritious meal meals for 189 school days. The Northern Cape Department of Education’s targeting policy is to offer all primary and secondary schools in the Province the opportunity to apply to participate in the NSNP. All learners in the 505 schools which applied to participate in the NSNP will be entitled to benefit from the programmes (Grade R – 12). 265 458 learners had access to the NSNP meals. 505 SMME’s were contracted to provide schools with groceries and 1 615 food handles volunteered to cook nutritious meals to learners. For the year under review 1 025 committee members, contact handlers and School Management Team (SMT) members were trained on the implementation of the programme.
SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION
Sustainable Food Production encourages learners, educators and community members to develop food gardens in schools and use them as living laboratories by integrating them into the curriculum. The Department has embarked on various strategies to implement projects at identified schools with the aim to roll these projects out to all participating schools. There are 225 sustainable foo gardens in the Province
NUTRITION EDUCATION
The aim of Nutrition Education is to promote healthy eating habits and healthy lifestyles in schools and communities. It is through this component that the Programme hopes to be able to reach parents, educators, SGBs, SMTs, school gate vendors, tuck shop managers and interested community members.
Deworming programme
South Africa is a signatory to the World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution 54 19(May 2001) which calls for regular synchronized coordinated treatment of worms in high risk groups. Over 600 million learners worldwide are infected with worms. Sa local studies report 40-49% prevalence rates. Most prevalent amongst the disadvantaged children in density populated and underserviced, low altitude, coastal areas (Kwazulu Natal, Western Cape and Eastern Cape). In July 2014 the minister of Basic education in her budget vote speech announced the implementation of the deworming programme linked with NSNP, to maximize the health and cognitive benefits of school meals
Best school awards
The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) Best School and District Awards are utilised to celebrate the dedication and hard work of key role players such as the School management Teams, Educators, Volunteer Food Handlers and School Governing Bodies for their daily contribution and dedication towards the success of the programme and showcasing good practices
NSNP Best School and District Awards
EduPlant 2017/18 Competition
All South African schools that have been growing permaculture food gardens are invited to enter the competition. 66 schools representing all nine provinces will be invited to attend the finals workshop in October 2018, where final judging will take place.
Schools are requested to complete the entry form and submit to the nearest District office NSNP Unit no later than the 25th May 2018
Build a garden profile with colour pictures of fruit and vegetables that will be sent with the entry form or no later than the 1st June 2018.
We request schools to enter this competition so that we can have sustainable permaculture gardens.
Enquiries: If you encounter challenges in completing the entry contact Mr Khulu Mapatsi at 083 736 3444 or Mr Ernest Molusi at 083 736 3956
District office NSNP Unit
Frances Baard: Ms Nunu Matsio, Mr Dan Fata, Mr Vusi Morape
ZFM: Mr Henry Links
JTG: Mr K J Tlhage
Pixley Ka Seme: Ms Matyobeni
Namaqua: Mr J Windvogel, Ms Aleta Jafta
Schools befitting from the NSNP
Core Programs:
· Lost Matric Cerificates
· Service Standards
· Inclusive Education
· ECD Programme
· Curriculum and Policy Statement
· School Safety
Provincial Office: 156 Barkly RoadHomestead, Kimberley, 8301Tel: (053) 839 6500, Fax: (053) 839 6580 
