SPAR South Africa partnered with local producer Rama to raise funds for Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across the country. Over half a million South African Rands worth of nutritious meals will be distributed, thanks to the support of customers.
Earlier this year, Rama committed to donating one meal to a child in need for every Rama original fat spread 500g pack purchased from SPAR stores in South Africa. Over ZAR600,000 was generated through SPAR customers’ purchases in support of this initiative.
Do More Foundation
The Do More Foundation supports projects directed at food security, youth development, economic development, and early childhood development. The Foundation will use the funds to ensure hundreds of children under five years old get a nutritious meal daily.
The Foundation works in collaborative partnerships with key public and private stakeholders to meet the needs of young children as set out in South Africa’s National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy which recognises proper nutrition is vital to this process. Young children need the right nutrients to learn and grow optimally. Currently, around 25% of children under five are being stunted due to poor nutrition.
“We currently support 1,015 ECD programmes across South Africa including those based in KwaZulu Natal (KZN). In the wake of the devastating floods, securing consistent nutritious meals for our KZN-based centres has become a key priority. This donation will go a long way to help us feed, not just the children, but the community that serves them,” said Iris Naidoo, Partnership Manager of Do More Foundation.
Collaborating for good
At a handover event held at Entokozweni Place of Care in Hammarsdale on 20 June, representatives from SPAR South Africa’s regional business in KwaZulu Natal, Rama and the Do More Foundation were present.
SPAR KwaZulu Natal Marketing Director, Menelisi Luthuli said, “This is another great example of business, communities and NGOs working together to support those in need. It is heart-warming to see that many young lives will benefit from this donation.”
“We believe that every child should have access to a good meal. One that is tasty and nutritious, packed full of goodness – which is why we were so excited to see South Africans across the country support this campaign. We thank SPAR South Africa and all of the customers who supported the campaign for their generosity,” said Sasha Sathianathan of Rama.