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Mail & Guardian

Child Nutrition

latest news & developments
Food security: 'Children who are healthier and better educated are more likely to complete school, access employment opportunities and become economically productive adults,' says Dr Matshidiso Sello. Photo: File
CHILD NUTRITION

Growing hunger in Gauteng's classrooms

While fewer children attending low-income schools in Gauteng are suffering from the long-term effects of chronic malnutrition, many more are going hungry in the short term as…

  • Sheree Bega
6 min read
Decrypting the nutritional label on your favourite packaged food products might get easier sometime soon. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to like what it’s going to say. (UNSPLASH)
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

The warning labels that could be coming for your crisps

If the food labelling regulations under review are enacted, bold warning signs on packaging will let shoppers identify foods high in sugar, salt or unhealthy fats

  • Zano Kunene
7 min read
More than a quarter of South African children under the age of five are chronically malnourished. That’s bad for them, their families and the economy. (Envato)
BREASTFEEDING

Childhood stunting is also stunting South Africa’s economy

More than a quarter of children under the age of five in the country are chronically malnourished

  • David Harrison
8 min read
The South African Constitution guarantees everyone the right to adequate food, basic nutrition for children and nutrition for those in detention or jail. (File photo)
ACCESS TO NUTRITIOUS FOOD

World Food Day 2024 | Coherent policies crucial for realisation of right to food

Policy, and the involvement of civil society and other stakeholders, is vital for rebalancing the food system and addressing undernutrition and obesity

  • Lisanne du Plessis
  • Scott Drimie
6 min read
Young women struggling with unplanned pregnancies — often victims of sexual violence and toxic masculinity — need help. (Photo by Jonas Gratzer/LightRocket via Getty Images)
ABUSE

Counting the costs of childbirth in young girls

Among other psychosocial concerns, pre-teen and teenage births contribute to poor mother and child nutrition results

  • Marcia Zali
5 min read