Photo: PxHere
World Food Day is commemorated annually on 16 October. This year’s theme, Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future, highlights the importance of governments, industries, and communities joining forces to achieve zero hunger.
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According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), roughly 28,9% of the world population was suffering from moderate to severe food insecurity in 2024.
Nearly one in five South Africans food insecure
Results from Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) 2024 General Household Survey, released earlier this year, showed that South Africa’s food insecurity levels stood at 19,7% of the population in 2023, translating to one in every five people.
The FAO defines food security as having physical, social, and economic access at all times to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets the daily needs and preferences for an active and healthy life.
According to Stats SA, the proportion of South African households that experienced moderate to severe food insecurity was estimated at 15,8% in 2019, 16,2% in 2022, and 19,7% in 2023. The proportion of households that experienced severe food insecurity was estimated at 6,4%, 7,5%, and 8% in those years, respectively.
Food availability doesn’t equal access
While South Africa is a net exporter of food, this does not translate to food security. Stats SA stated in the survey report that food insecurity was present even in years of good harvests.
“Food availability does not automatically mean food and nutrition security. Even when food is available, it may not be accessible to everyone who needs it, and sometimes the food that is available and accessible may not provide the nutrients needed for physical growth and development,” it said.
Commenting on nutritionally empty food, Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes SA, said the FAO’s call for partnerships could not be more relevant to South Africa’s ongoing efforts to beat childhood malnutrition.
Potatoes trial shows nutrition benefits
Potatoes SA recently conducted a proof-of-concept trial to prove the value of including potatoes in meals provided to children in impoverished communities through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). Potatoes are currently not on the menu, which is determined by the Department of Basic Education.
The NSNP has repeatedly come under fire for failing to provide adequate nutrition. Jacobs said that for many children, the NSNP meal was the only one they received all day, making its nutritional quality critical.
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“All food is not created equal. We can’t afford to fill children’s stomachs with empty calories that leave them hungry and lethargic soon after eating. Potatoes are a whole food; they’re nutrient-dense, affordable, and easy to prepare. Research shows that they provide natural energy and essential nutrients that boost both body and brain,” Jacobs told Farmer’s Weekly.
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The trial, conducted at five Gauteng schools, found that learners who ate potatoes as part of their lunch were more focused and energised and reported feeling “fuller for longer”.
Jacobs added that teachers reported fewer post-lunch energy slumps among children and higher levels of concentration after they had eaten meals containing potatoes, compared to when other starches were served.
“Further positive indications were that the percentage of learners showing up to collect meals increased when potatoes were on the menu.
“The results were overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the value that could be unlocked when government and agricultural commodity organisations worked together to solve malnutrition,” he added.
Jacobs said that by adding nutrient-dense, locally produced foods such as potatoes to school meals, the country could take a meaningful step towards ending malnutrition and unlocking children’s potential.
“Good nutrition is the foundation of learning. Potatoes can help us make every meal count, for every child, every day,” he concluded.
