For many children, school is the only place they get a warm meal, a sense of routine, and adult care.

At home, families face empty cupboards and uncertainty about the next meal, despite caregivers doing their best.

This was daily life for Buhle and her Gogo until a food hamper arrived, unpacking rice, beans and maize meal together brought tears of joy and relief, food for today and days ahead.

This is the kind of support donors make possible through the Starfish social welfare programme.

Through the generosity of donors and the care of local social workers and community partners, children and their families receive food packs, home visits, and ongoing support during the times that matter most, especially weekends and school holidays, when the gap is greatest.

For a child, this means more than just food.
• It means going to bed without hunger.
• It means having someone check in.
• It means knowing they are seen, cared for, and not alone.

And it’s all possible because of generous supporters. Because of them, care doesn’t stop when the school day ends.

Go to starfish-greathearts.org to find out more about their work and how you can make a difference.

ALSO READ: Christian Brothers College Boksburg’s ERS combats hunger with successful soup kitchen

ALSO READ: Community rallies behind Humanity Foundation’s food and sanitary drive