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Food supply

Food Insecurity Haunts South African Households: University Students Need Financial Aid for Food

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Access to sufficient food is a basic human right and is enshrined in the South African constitution. However, the spectre of food insecurity haunts many households in South Africa, with estimates showing a rise in the proportion of households experiencing some form of food insecurity from 15.8% to 19.7% between 2019 and 2023. University students are also affected by these pressures, with levels of food insecurity remaining high. Research shows that food insecurity is associated with worse academic outcomes, lower class attendance, and lower academic performance among university students.

Key Takeaways:

  • Food insecurity affects approximately 19.7% of households in South Africa, up from 15.8% in 2019.
  • University students in South Africa experience high levels of food insecurity, with 71.7% of respondents in a study being moderately to severely food insecure.
  • Food insecurity has a negative impact on academic outcomes and physical and psychological well-being among university students.
  • Students who identify as Black Africans, first-generation students, and members of the LGBTI+ community are disproportionately affected by food insecurity.
  • Food pantries and grants are not suitable solutions for distance learning institutions due to stigma, high volunteer staff turnover, and complex eligibility criteria.
  • Public-private partnerships could be explored to address the issue of distance education student hunger.

Statistics:

  • 19.7% of households in South Africa experience some form of food insecurity (Statistics South Africa, 2023).
  • 71.7% of respondents in a study were moderately to severely food insecure (Fynn, 2023).
  • 371,592 students are enrolled in distance learning institutions in South Africa (2023 audited figures).
  • 27.9% of students surveyed were food secure (Fynn, 2023).
  • 60% of respondents' main income came from government grants (Fynn, 2023).
  • 40% of respondents earned up to R1,200 (about US$68) per month (Fynn, 2023).

Sources:

  • Statistics South Africa. (2023). Household food security report.
  • Fynn, A. (2023). Hunger among South African students: study shows those studying remotely need financial aid for food. The Conversation -- Africa.

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