MHM Magazine

Issue 1 | 2025 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 27 MHM a one-liner in a thousand-word article. It has huge consequences,” emphasises Witten. Effects of food insecurity on children 1. Physical health • Stunting and wasting: In 2022, 22.8% of children under five were stunted, and 3.8% experienced wasting. These conditions weaken the immune system, leaving children susceptible to disease. 2. Cognitive development • Poor nutrition during critical growth phases (especially under two years) impacts brain development, leading to delayed milestones and lifelong learning difficulties. 3. Academic and social outcomes • Malnourished children often perform poorly in school, are less likely to complete high school, and face diminished job prospects, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. 4. Intergenerational poverty • Malnutrition casts a long shadow, affecting not only individual lives but also the broader socio-economic fabric of communities. Key Factors Contributing to Food Insecurity 1. Poverty • High unemployment and poverty rates limit access to nutritious food. Many households, especially in urban areas like Cape Town and Johannesburg, struggle to meet basic dietary needs. 2. Inequality and geographic disparities • Rural areas face acute challenges due to poor infrastructure, lack of agricultural resources, and limited access to markets. 3. Low uptake of social support • Despite interventions like the Child Support Grant (CSG), over one-third of eligible children in their first year of life are not covered, leaving them vulnerable to malnutrition. 4. Cultural and structural barriers • Misconceptions about breastfeeding and economic constraints prevent optimal infant nutrition, with mothers often diluting infant formula or facing social stigmas about breastfeeding. 5. Climate change and food prices • Environmental changes affect food production, leading to higher costs and reduced availability of nutritious food. Proposed solutions and interventions 1. Strengthening social safety nets • Improve access to the Child Support Grant for infants and expand coverage of programmes like the National School Nutrition Programme to younger children. 2. Support for breastfeeding mothers • Create an enabling environment by addressing cultural biases, providing workplace accommodation, and enhancing public awareness campaigns. 3. Community-based interventions • Establish local feeding programs, community kitchens, and agricultural projects to ensure access to affordable and nutritious food. 4. Policy and advocacy • Advocate for policies that reduce food prices, enhance agricultural productivity, and address economic barriers. 5. Public health campaigns • Educate communities on proper nutrition, the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, and the dangers of diluted formula. Conclusion Food insecurity in South Africa is a multi-faceted challenge with devastating long-term effects on children, including malnutrition, stunting, and limited life opportunities. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts from government, civil society, and communities to break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition, ensuring that every child can thrive. Out of a total of 1955 screenings, 238 children (8.21%) were identified with a low BMI. The early screening and interventions efforts by Goldilocks and the Bear Foundation play a vital role in identifying early signs of malnutrition, challenges and supporting timely intervention. References available on request. MHM | 2025 | Volume 12 | Issue 1 | Food insecurity and the long-term effect on children MHM