Thesis (M. Tech. (Environmental Health)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Malnutrition and concomitant infections are major contributing factors to child morbidity and mortality in developing countries such as South Africa. Globally, children benefiting from school feeding programmes are generally from communities with low socio-economic statuses. The meals provided through feeding schemes, such as the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) in South Africa, are aimed at significantly supplementing the beneficiaries’ daily energy and nutrient requirements. The possible nutrient deficiency of meals provided through such programmes compromises the nutritional well-being of children, promotes malnutrition and renders children more susceptible to infectious diseases. Furthermore, illness, particularly caused by diarrhoeal and infectious diseases, is a major factor contributing to child malnutrition as the human body is unable to efficiently digest foods and absorb nutrients during illness. Therefore, the microbiological safety of the foods served to children via feeding schemes is essential. In an effort to contribute towards the safety and wholesomeness of foodstuffs served through the NSNP, the present study was conducted with a view to assess the nutritional quality and safety of the foodstuffs. The knowledge, attitudes and practises (KAP) of food handlers and NSNP representatives/committee members at the schools were also investigated in order to assess origins of potential food contamination. Data collected via nutritional analyses of meals served to school children were compared to the nutrient-based standards set by the United Kingdom as guidelines for an average school lunch. The carbohydrate, energy, calcium and zinc contents of the school meals were below the standards, the majority of the meals met the protein and iron standards and all meals complied with the standards for lipid and vitamin C contents. During the microbiological analysis study, preparation surfaces yielded higher counts of all detected organisms (total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and yeasts and moulds) compared to the hands of food handlers. Therefore possible sources of contamination may be foodstuffs, animal pests and environmental elements such as dust. However, significant differences of surface microbial counts could not be established (P > 0.05) and thus cross-contamination may have resulted among surfaces, possibly augmented by shortfalls in cleaning regimes. The majority of the participants of the questionnaire survey reportedly washed their hands and cleaned all surfaces several times during the day with water and detergent. In addition, a disinfectant was used by some of the food preparers during cleaning. Furthermore, participants stated that their aprons were washed daily. These claims were in agreement with the findings of the surface microbial study with regards to the hands, however, they did not match the findings of the preparation surfaces which contained the highest counts of total coliforms, E. coli and S. aureus of the three surfaces analysed, and aprons responsible for the highest yeast and mould counts. Improper storage and food preparation methods, such as the application of high temperatures, excessive exposure to UV light and oxygen, and high moisture conditions, may result in the deterioration of nutrients. Storage conditions which may permit pest infestation may also increase the risk of food-related illnesses and risk could be further elevated by application of improper cleaning and sanitation practices. In order for the NSNP to operate effectively, it is essential that the national and provincial Departments of Basic Education, which are responsible for the overall administration of the NSNP, and schools’ personnel function in an integrated manner through support structures and effective communication. Infrastructural limitations (lack of proper kitchen facilities and ventilation) and shortage of resources while administering the NSNP were the main challenges observed during the present study. Due to these hurdles, adhering to food safety practices and maintaining nutritional quality of foods may be a challenge. Continuous training in personal and general hygiene is also a necessity in preserving food safety. Furthermore, nutritional quality of foodstuffs may be preserved through proper storage practices and application of preparation methods which minimize loss of nutrients.

DEd (Curriculum Studies) / Department of Curriculum Studies / Although on its introduction the focus of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) was to improve health and nutritional status of South African school children, it was put in place to improve school attendance, curb absenteeism and drop-out by children of school going age as a result of hunger and poverty. It was also meant to improve the learning capacity of children since access to nutritious meals has the potential to improve their concentration levels during instructional discourses, which can enhance the quality of educational outcomes. This study explored the views of education stakeholders on the challenges they encountered in implementing the NSNP in achieving its educational goals at two schools in the Vhembe District in South Africa. Specifically, the study investigated how the NSNP influences school access, attendance and participation at schools that are benefiting from the NSNP in an endeavour to establish strategies for improving the quality of schooling. Abraham Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs was applied to explain how children’s basic needs can be a foundation to their educational needs and aspirations. A case study design involving two schools was adopted for the study and the qualitative research approach was employed. Purposive sampling method was employed to select two secondary school principals, ten secondary school class teachers per school, ten learners who were beneficiaries of the NSNP and ten of their counterparts who were not on NSNP per school, and two circuit NSNP officers. Individual and focus group interviews, documentary study and observations were used to collect data, which were analysed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that: the National School Nutrition Programme is a credible strategy for learners from poor backgrounds to access schooling and reduce their school drop-out; there was no clear difference in academic performance between leaners who participated and those who opted out of the Programme; educators felt overwhelmed by administrative work for the feeding programme, which compromised on their co-responsibilities; there were inadequate workshops to equip service providers of the Programme; food was provided under poor hygiene conditions which made some learners to opt out of the Programme; Programme records had inaccurate information. Based on the main study findings, the study recommended that the programme should continue as the majority of learners were benefiting; the Programme should have its own v administrative personnel; there should be regular staff development workshops on the Programme; schools should erect proper infrastructure for food storage and service; a multi- ministerial team of experts from health, education Programme; and all schools that have the Programme should maintain nutrition gardens for provision of fresh food. Finally, for the effective role-taking by duty-bearers for the Programme, the study concluded by recommending a model called the Increasing Achievement Mode for the National School Nutrition Programme.

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