Food insecurity at tertiary institutions is aptly described as `the skeleton in universities` cup- boards` because it receives so little attention. Those in higher education are assumed to be an elite whose minimum basic needs are met. But a study of 34 colleges and universities in the U.S. found that 48% of students experience food insecurity, and 22% hunger.
The few studies on food insecurity at South African tertiary institutions show an alarming picture that mirrors the social divisions bedevilling the country. At the University of the Free State 64.5% of students are food insecure.
Food insecurity at tertiary institutions is aptly described as “the skeleton in universities’ cupboards” because it receives so little attention. Those in higher education are assumed to be an elite whose minimum basic needs are met.
According to a new study, conducted with the National Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS), spinach bought from a vendor on the street is no less or more safe than spinach bought from an upmarket retailer.
To raise awareness about the ‘invisible crisis’ of hunger and food security among students at tertiary institutions in South Africa, the Dullah Omar Institute (DOI) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), in collaboration with the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, today presented a petition to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
The Dullah Omar Institute (DOI) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), in collaboration with the UWC-based Centre of Excellence in Food Security, will on 25 July 2019 present a petition to two commissioners of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to draw attention to the high levels of hunger and food insecurity among South Africa’s students. Funmilola Adeniyi from Dullah Omar Institute at the University of Western Cape explains
Farm workers are essential to the economy and food system, but they are poor and vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Many evicted farm workers face an under-reported crisis of underemployment, poverty and hunger.
Mahmood Mamdani’s recent article about land reform in South Africa correctly states the importance of righting historical wrongs and creating a vibrant economy that works for its population. In contrast to what some writers have argued, including US President Donald Trump, the government of South Africa has not been seizing land from white farmers, nor is there a programme of genocide against the white farming community. But the article by Mamdani glosses over an important and complex issue, one that we have studied for the past 25 years.
The United Nations has declared 7 June the first World Food Safety Day to strengthen efforts to ensure what we eat is safe.
Farm workers, let down by politicians, face new threats to their security
Farm workers are essential to the economy and food system, but they are poor and vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Evicted farm workers, in particular, face an under-reported crisis of underemployment, poverty and hunger. At a time when the future for farm workers looks increasingly precarious, new thinking and fresh ideas are needed. Some of the challenges facing farm workers are explored here.