As 1,6 million South African children face the devastating effects of malnutrition, FUTURELIFE is marking World Children’s Day this November by highlighting the critical need for collective action.
As part of the Joint Unity Meal Partnership (JUMP), FUTURELIFE will have served 3.6 million nutritious meals to vulnerable children in 2024 but with more than 60% of South African households experiencing food insecurity, there is an urgent need for broader community involvement.
JUMP is an innovative collaboration between the Dis-Chem Foundation, Nivea and Octodec, led by HOPE worldwide South Africa (HWSA), that has established a powerful change model.
“Access to good nutrition is a basic human right,” said Prenessa Naidoo, brand manager at FUTURELIFE. “Through JUMP, we are helping to ensure that thousands of South African children, especially the most vulnerable, receive the smart nutrition they need to thrive. This is also how FUTURELIFE is fulfilling its goal to bring health, hope and happiness to every child.”
Since its launch in June 2020, JUMP has made remarkable strides in expanding its reach. Starting with 50,000 meals per month, the programme has now tripled its output, delivering over 150,000 nutritious meals each month to peri-urban areas across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Free State.
The programme now supports 399 early childhood development centres, providing its Unity porridge to more than 142,000 children daily. Each 50g serving provides the nutritional equivalent of one egg and three-quarters of a slice of bread, supplying vital energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals essential for healthy growth. This impactful intervention is especially significant for children under six, many of whom start their day without breakfast.
According to HWSA reports, JUMP’s impact has been particularly meaningful given that chronic malnutrition has led to child stunting rates rising from 27.3% in 20216 to 28.8% in 2024, affecting 1.6 million children. Over 40% of South African households are unable to afford essential nutritious items and the country is faced with the ‘triple burden of malnutrition’, encompassing undernutrition, hidden hunger, and even obesity.
This progress however underscores the immense need that remains. With additional funding from more partners and individuals, JUMP and HOPE worldwide South Africa will be able to expand to more provinces, reaching thousands of additional children. By addressing hunger and malnutrition, the initiative will continue laying the groundwork for a healthier and more equitable future for all South Africans.
“This Children’s Day, we celebrate the progress we’ve made, mindful that we have the potential to do even more. Together with our JUMP partners and the support of South Africans, we’re not just providing meals – we’re inspiring dreams, nurturing health and empowering the next generation. Because, when we come together, we can create a better and brighter future for our nation’s most vulnerable citizens,” concluded Naidoo.
For more information on FUTURELIFE’s initiatives please visit here.
