By Sitha Maliwa
In response to recent food-related health incidents involving school learners, Tiger Brands and the Tiger Brands Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, have launched a nationwide Community Food Safety Campaign. This initiative aims to promote proper hygiene, safe food storage, preparation, and consumption practices across selected schools in South Africa.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness and educate learners, teachers, food handlers, and broader community members on food safety practices that can help prevent foodborne illnesses. This proactive approach is part of Tiger Brands’ commitment to promoting community health and wellbeing beyond the boundaries of its production facilities.
“Outside of our safety and quality practices within our production facilities, we have a responsibility as one of the country’s largest food producers to increase consumer knowledge about practices that can help promote their health and wellbeing when preparing and consuming foods, or how to make the best consumption choices,” says Praveen Balgobind, Chief Manufacturing Officer, Tiger Brands.
The Community Food Safety Campaign specifically targets schools participating in the Tiger Brands Foundation national in-school breakfast programme, delivered in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education’s National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). Since its inception in 2011, the Tiger Brands Foundation programme has served an impressive 164 million meals to learners, ensuring they receive a nutritious start to their day.
“By educating learners, teachers and local volunteer food handlers, we reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and foster a culture of food safety. As a provider of nutritious meals through our in-school breakfast programme, we are committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to handle food safely, ensuring the well-being of all involved,” says Kefiloe Mokoena, Project Manager, Tiger Brands Foundation.
The campaign officially kicked off with educational workshops at Inkosi Masumpa Primary School in Zwelisha, KwaZulu-Natal, and Tebogo Primary School in Sonop, Brits in the North West province. These sessions were well attended by school learners, educators, school leadership, local food vendors, tuckshop owners, and representatives from district education departments. The interactive workshops fostered discussion around the importance of food safety and its direct impact on community health.
Through this initiative, Tiger Brands and the Tiger Brands Foundation aim to strengthen food safety practices within communities while continuing to support national efforts to provide healthy and safe nutrition in schools. – @NewsSA_Online
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