This is according to the Basic Education Department, as Minister Angie Motshekga, in a written reply to the DA, says the provision of school feeding scheme has been in effect from June 8 – for grade 12 and 7 learners. As of 22 June it was extended, nationally, to all learners.

OFM News previously reported that the decision to feed learners who have not yet returned to school comes months after human right advocacy groups - Equal Education and Section 27- wrote to Motshekga requesting her to ensure that all beneficiaries are fed during the national lockdown. The groups said over nine million children were reliant on the NSNP and the department must roll out the programme to all learners to reduce widespread hunger in the country.

Meanwhile, the Free State Department of Education has confirmed all learners from quintile 1-3 schools who normally benefit from the feeding scheme, and who are not yet at school, can now have access to their nutritious meals from their respective schools.

Provincial departmental spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, confirmed the Free State department is providing meals to about 596 674 learners on a daily basis.

He says schools are providing food to learners during different time slots to avoid overcrowding and to ensure that all Covid-19 regulations are adhered to.

OFM News