PepsiCo Southern Africa marks a significant milestone in its fight against hunger in South Africa. The organisation’s School Breakfast Programme, in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with 50 million nutritious breakfasts served to date to primary school learners across the country.  

Launched in 2015, starting with 5 000 learners across two provinces, the programme now provides wholegrain cereals such as BOKOMO Weet-Bix, BOKOMO Corn Flakes, White Star Instant Porridge and FUTURELIFE Smart Food served with milk, reaching over 37 000 learners in 35 schools across seven provinces. 

Developed to curb two challenges facing children today, (i) access to a nutrient rich breakfast and (ii) the subsequent impact on school attendance or participation, the PepsiCo School Breakfast Programme ensures children have a nutritious meal daily while it keeps learners in class – improving performance and encouraging punctuality and participation.  

Furthermore, the programme has employed and trained 190 volunteer food handlers and seven provincial coordinators, leading to local job creation and skills development, which further benefits the communities. 

“Every breakfast served is an investment in our future,” says Tumisang Matsheka, Vice President: Supply Chain for PepsiCo South Africa. “No child should start their school day hungry. They should start every day with the energy to learn, grow and thrive. We’re so fortunate to be able to be a part of their early successes but we also realise that we couldn’t have achieved this milestone without our partnership with the basic education department.” 

As the initiative enters its next decade, PepsiCo South Africa calls for greater collaboration across government, business and civil society to tackle food insecurity, which affects more than 60% of South African households.  

“With the country facing an increase in food insecurity, our children bear the brunt of the food crisis. The Department of Basic Education believe that the issue is larger than us, and through partnership we can collectively find solutions that produce results. Although it may seem like a drop in the ocean, breakfast and the lunch provided by the DBE ensures a child and their mind is sustained throughout their school day leading to marked changes in their behaviour,” says Carina Müller, Chief Education Specialist, National School Nutrition Programme, Department of Basic Education.  

“Together, we can reshape South Africa’s food environment to support healthier choices and better outcomes for all,” concluded Matsheka. “PepsiCo South Africa remains committed to expanding and improving the programme, which aligns with the PepsiCo Positive strategy of advancing sustainability, human capital development and social impact. The addition of FUTURELIFE Smart Food is just one example of continuous innovation to enhance nutrition.”