Question NW2937 to the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
13 December 2022 - NW2937
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Basic Education to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1) What is the current allocation of milk for each child for each day in the feeding schemes in each province; (2) whether the amount has changed in the past five years; if not, why not; if so, (3) whether the allocation is different based on age; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) The NSNP budget is allocated per meal/per child/per day, and NOT per food item spend; with price expectations in line with economies of scale. The allocation is further outlined per weekly menu plan (i.e 5 days cycle) per serving, that constitute a protein, starch, fruit and/or vegetable. This allocation is not apportioned to milk only, but is shared between all protein source foods (i.e soya mince, canned pilchards, sugar beans and lentils/split peas or canned chicken livers).
In general, protein has the highest cost. Therefore, at least 50% is allocated towards protein foods. Milk is served once per week and the low cost protein food supplements the more expensive proteins like milk.
(2) The meal cost is adjusted annually by the National Treasury in line with the general inflation.
(3) The different allocation is based on the portion sizes for primary and secondary schools. Secondary schools with larger portion sizes have a higher allocation than primary schools.