Hundred and nine (109) local women cooperatives have been established through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) to provide nutritious meals to feeding schools benefiting 617 members.
Job opportunities in the NSNP programme are also created through contracting different service providers in the form of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
In the current financial year, 1 757 SMME’s have been contracted which has assisted immensely in empowering and nurturing business as well as operational skills to former disadvantaged women.
Further to this the NSNP has since in the current financial year recruited 9 587 voluntary food handlers who receive a monthly stipend of R640 per 300 learners. The food handlers have been trained in different skills which include food preparation of NSNP menus, food safety, hygiene and other relevant skills in ensuring that the food that is provided to learners is of a required standard.
In total 11 961 people; the majority being women are benefiting through the NSNP.
Tip sheet:-
1. The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) was introduced in 1994. It was previously known as the Primary School Nutrition Programme.
2. In 2004, the programme was officially transferred to the Department of Education.
3. 5 203 schools in KwaZulu-Natal benefit from the NSNP
4. 2 161 996 learners are benefiting in the current financial year (2011/12)
5. The department has in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture identified community projects in five municipal wards in Umgungundlovu District to be enrolled as primary producers from which NSNP service providers in these areas can purchase vegetables. It is envisaged that similar projects will be rolled out throughout the province next year.
Enquiries:
Mbali Thusi
Cell: 082 881 7484
School nutrition programme creates thousands of jobs for women in KwaZulu-Natal
Province
