Jayde Frost, Thapelo Makgoba and the team of Ubuntu Pathways conducted an audit in five schools within the Zwide Schools Project during breakfast and lunch time to determine the use of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). The NSNP provides funds for lunch only at the schools that form part of the programme. The findings were used to develop a training manual and training programme for two theoretical workshops and one practical workshop for the food preparers at these schools.
The food handlers provide food based on a set five-day cycle menu, therefore children get a different meal on each day of the week, but all weeks are the same. All food preparers attended at least high school and therefore it was accepted that they could read and write. A copy of the theoretical and practical manual was provided to them during the first session, as well as the Mnandi4Sure recipe book of the National Department of Basic Education.
The work contracts of the food preparers that were trained expire in March 2023 but it is assumed that some of them will be contracted for the next year. However, it may be necessary to repeat the training sessions in April or May to ensure that the new intake of food preparers have the necessary knowledge and skills. We thank the Kolisi Foundation for recognising the nutritional needs in these communities and providing the necessary funds to meet their needs.
