An estimated one-third of 10th graders in South Africa are orphans. Many of these young people are raising younger siblings. High school graduation rates hover at 50 percent. According to Save the Children’s Childhood Development Index, one in four children is stunted or short for their age, and 9% are underweight. One barrier to progress is clear – hunger and malnutrition.

Save the Children South Africa and The Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation observed that the government of South Africa had funds available for a mandatory daily meals program in primary schools. No such program existed at the high school level. In Limpopo, the Free State, and highly impoverished communities such as Qwa Qwa, we wondered, "What would be the effect of sustainable food programs on student attendance and performance?"

On a total of $35,000, the Caring Schools Initiative became the first pilot project launched by The Mirella and Lino Saputo Foundation. Through collaboration, the program was available to three high schools in the impoverished community of Qwa Qwa, facilitated by Save the Children South Africa representatives. From 2009 through 2010 program, Caring Schools project funds provided:

The pilot was a success, achieving more consistent food distribution, lower buying and delivery costs, and higher student school attendance. Results were shared with a network of 90 South African schools. One of the schools reports that the original pilot garden is sustained. In 2012, school athletes from Limpopo, the Free State and Qwa Qwa gathered to participate in the "No Hunger Games," with child advocates bearing witness to devastating effects of child hunger and malnutrition.