At the heart of healthy communities are healthy mothers and children. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception to age two, are critical for growth and development. Recognising this, the President’s recent State of the Nation Address highlighted a renewed national focus on this crucial period, a call to action that aligns closely with FoodForward SA’s (FFSA) mission.
Launched in May 2023, the FFSA Mother and Child Nutrition Programme targets at-risk pregnant women and children under five in vulnerable communities across the Western and Eastern Cape. The programme delivers monthly nutrient-dense food parcels, complemented by growth monitoring, nutrition education, and household-level support.
Building on early success, the programme expanded in November 2024 through a strategic partnership with Grow Great and the Western Cape Department of Health, initially focusing on the Cape Winelands District. This collaboration strengthened integration with public health systems, enabling continuous monitoring and timely interventions for children identified as at risk of malnutrition or stunting.
Grow Great Flourish is a national network of fully sponsored pregnancy and parenting support groups designed to empower mothers through education and connection. Led by trained mentor moms, these groups provide a warm, welcoming space to share experiences, ask questions, and learn practical skills – from pregnancy care and breastfeeding choices to mental health support and bonding with babies.
Supported and trained by Grow Great, hosts guide discussions, share evidence-based information, and provide the kind of support that creates lasting impact for families. Every Flourish host is a mother herself, bringing personal insight and encouragement to the group.
Weekly sessions are offered both in person and online, giving mothers the flexibility to participate from home or within their communities. These services are provided by a dedicated team of Mentor Mothers, Community Health Workers, dietitians, and social workers, ensuring that families not only receive the food they need but also the guidance to use it most effectively.
Through this partnership, FFSA and Grow Great are delivering more than just food; we are nurturing knowledge, confidence, and resilience among mothers. By supporting and educating mothers, the programme is giving children the best possible start in life and building healthier, stronger communities for the future.
