Nutrition for children in early childhood development centres
Estimated food cost per child per day, September 2026
R3.46
daily shortfall for children aged 2–6, after subsidy
The Department of Basic Education's ECD subsidy of R24 per child per day includes a nutrition allocation of R9.60 (40%). This leaves a structural funding gap for daily food costs for older children (2-6 years) at early learning centres.
Daily Maverick · Source: Philippa Barnard (public health nutrition consultant & registered dietitian); Zero2Five Trust; Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group
