Gauteng authorities believe a sustainable school nutrition programme is key to achieving academic excellence. Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted this during a visit to schools in Ebony Park outside Midrand, where she stressed that well-nourished learners are better able to focus and perform in class.
Starting her visit at Kalfontein Secondary School, Nkomo-Ralehoko said school nutrition is especially critical in disadvantaged communities where parents often struggle to provide food. She emphasised the importance of food gardens in supporting feeding schemes and improving learner performance across all grades.
The MEC noted that the Department of Health has introduced initiatives such as “one clinic, one garden” and “one hospital, one garden”, with several facilities already producing vegetables like spinach, cabbage and beetroot for patient meals.
She added that school and clinic committees have taken ownership of the projects, which are now being supported by the Department of Agriculture. A competition to recognise top-performing gardens will soon be introduced.