The University of the Western Cape has established a food bank campaign to tackle hunger among students and honour the legacy of its former Chancellor, the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Picture: Leon Lestrade
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is pleading for donations to assist needy students, after establishing a food bank initiative to honour the legacy of its former Chancellor the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu and highlight food security challenges.
The late Archbishop, who served as the Chancellor of UWC for almost 25 years would have celebrated in 93rd birthday, last week on Monday.
Director of Institutional Advancement at UWC, Anesh Singh said the university started the food bank campaign with aim of addressing food security and honouring the legacy of Tutu.
“The legacy of the former Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) lives on, as this month, we highlight food insecurity on campus and assist students in need,” he said.
Singh said the initiative reflects a broader challenge experienced by many South African universities, where many students struggle with food security.
“A substantial portion of the student population comes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and many rely on financial aid (Nsfas), which often proves insufficient to cover all living expenses, including food.”
He said during October, UWC and its partners are tackling food insecurity among students through several efforts.
The month-long campaign was endorsed by Leah Tutu, the widow of the late archbishop and the Desmond Tutu IP Trust, and is supported by Shoprite/Checkers, Tiger Brands and the Gift of The Givers Foundation.
He said the food bank will provide essential food items as part of a grocery pack to support students through their studies.
“It’s an essential resource for those experiencing food shortages. It serves as a crucial safety net, allowing students to focus on their education without the constant stress of where their next meal will come from.”
“This outreach initiative is part of UDubs Cares, which was launched earlier this year on International Women’s Day, with its first act being the provision of sanitary pads to students,” said Singh.
Leah Tutu expressed her support for the initiative, saying it is very close to her heart, as it tackles hunger in the university community.
“You cannot teach a hungry child, and you cannot teach a hungry university student either.
Hunger in the UWC community is a sad reality, and I am committed to helping ensure no one faces such hardship.”
She urged the staff, students, alumni and businesses to lend a helping hand to the student food bank.
“Your contributions, whether food or financial, will make a meaningful difference,” she said.
The UWC Food Campaign started on October 1 and will culminate on International Food Day on October 16, with a food-packing event by the staff and students at the Bellville Main Campus
Singh added that donations including cash or dry food will be accepted until the end of October.
“Donations of tinned food can also be made; please drop your donations in the boxes provided at Main Campus buildings throughout the month.”
He said suggested items to be donated include , instant porridge 1kg, quick cook maize 1kg, oats 1kg, soup mix 500g, macaroni 500g, chakalaka 215 g, pilchards 400g, mixed vegetables in brine 420kg, baked beans 215g.
“Including tomato sauce, preferably a squeeze bottle of 500g, stock chicken power 17g, soya mince 500g, and peanut butter 400g,” said Singh.
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