Painted in vibrant pink and branded ‘amaLunchbox', each R60,000 container kitchen is fitted with a four-plate industrial gas burner, a double bowl sink with under counter cupboard, stainless steel counters, shelving, two big cooking pots and ladles, a serving hatch and enough bright pink tumblers and bowls for every child.
Teams of employees from Game stores visited some of the schools to serve meals prepared in the new kitchens and to give all of the children their very own lunch box to take home with them.
Patrick Mmotong, principal of Moses Kotane Primary School in Dobsonville, Soweto, said, "Our educators and learners are really excited about this donation which will greatly enhance our nutrition programme. We have 1300 learners to feed every day so the new kitchen has space for the four helpers to prepare the meals easily and to store the food. It will make a big difference to the school."
Janet Mgabi, principal of Kearsney Primary School near Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal, said, "The kitchen will make a huge difference to our school. Up to now we have had to prepare meals for the children by cooking samp over an open fire in the courtyard in all weathers, even when it was raining. The learners and the educators are so happy about this gift."
Said Game managing director, Jan Potgieter, "Our aim is to help provide a nutritious meal for as many disadvantaged children as we can at school every day. Children cannot concentrate on their lessons if they are hungry. Regular, hygienically prepared meals boost health levels and energy, enabling youngsters to focus on their lessons and make the most of their education. We view this an investment in the future of these children."
The kitchens are part of an ongoing countrywide plan by the retailer to combat hunger at school level for the benefit of thousands of pupils in need. By the end of this year, the R2.4 million investment in container kitchens will be topped by an investment of R1.2 million in school feeding schemes, making a total of R3.6 million.
