KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Education Trust (Ket), in collaboration with Food Lovers Market Knysna, is transforming the way meals are provided to young children in the town's early childhood development (ECD) centres.

The partnership is shifting meal provision from inconsistent, low-protein options to balanced, nutritionist-approved meals that meet the essential needs of growing children - especially those who rely on ECD meals as their main source of daily nutrition.

In Knysna, where 63% of residents live below the poverty line - the second-highest rate in the Garden Route - many children arrive at school hungry. For thousands, the meal they receive at their ECD centre is their only one for the day.

"Children can't learn or grow properly if they're hungry," says Nella Gysman of Ket. "This partnership ensures that every child gets the nutrition they need for healthy development, especially protein for brain growth."

With funding from the Paul van Zuydam Foundation, Ket currently provides daily meals to 1 300 children across 39 ECD centres. Morning nutrition is further supplemented by fortified e'Pap porridge.

Previously, ECD centres received food vouchers and created their own meal plans, often stretching budgets at the cost of protein. Now, Food Lovers Market provides pre-packed ingredient kits tailored to each centre's enrolment numbers. 

This approach ensures quality, consistency and cost-effectiveness, while also using locally sourced ingredients where possible.

"This is what partnership should look like," says Herman Kapp of Food Lovers Market. "It's a win-win for the children, the centres, and the broader community."

Research shows that proper nutrition in the early years, especially protein, is essential for brain development and learning capacity. As economist James Heckman has proven, investing in early childhood yields lifelong returns for both individuals and society.

Despite this success, 2 000 more children at 27 centres still lack this vital support. Ket is calling on individuals and businesses to get involved through its Adopt a Centre of Excellence programme.

*To learn more or to donate, visit: www.knysnaedutrust.co.za.

An ECD centre recipient is elated with the nutritional packs which had been prepared and delivered by Food Lovers Market in partnership with the Knysna Education Trust. 

Food Lovers Market in Knysna has joined hands with Knysna Education Trust, ensuring that nutritional packs are prepared and delivered on time. Photo: Supplied

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