NWU and Meals on Wheels Unite to Tackle Student Hunger Through Meal-A-Day Programme
- Karen Scheepers
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
In a heartfelt initiative launched on Nelson Mandela Day, the North-West University (NWU) and Meals on Wheels Community Services (MOWCS) have partnered to combat food insecurity among students. The collaboration, formalised on Friday, 18 July, at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, aims to ensure that no student is held back by hunger while pursuing academic success.
A Day of Service Marks the Start of a New Chapter
The launch event was not just symbolic, but hands-on and impactful. Hosted at Tsebonokeng Hall, volunteers came together to prepare and distribute approximately 1,500 sandwiches to students. The sandwich drive highlighted the spirit of ubuntu and marked the official start of NWU’s expanded commitment to the “Meal-a-Day” project, a programme that now serves nutritious cooked meals to hundreds of students across all three NWU campuses.
The “Meal-a-Day” initiative operates three days a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, benefiting between 300 and 500 students per week. It forms part of a broader effort to alleviate the effects of malnutrition and hunger within the university community, offering support to those who might otherwise go without.
Partnerships Rooted in Purpose and Dignity
The collaboration between NWU’s Development and Fundraising department and MOWCS was welcomed with optimism and gratitude. Silvanus Welcome, Director of Development and Fundraising at NWU, emphasised the deeper meaning behind the initiative.
MOWCS Managing Director Boichwarelo Mashishi echoed the sentiment, thanking NWU for its openness and willingness to work alongside community organisations.
Social worker Mitcheline Williams from the Student Counselling and Development department outlined the operational aspects of the Meal-a-Day programme, reaffirming the university’s goal of ensuring that every student has access to nutritional support.
The initiative has also received heartfelt thanks from the student body. Boitumelo Sebabe, SRC Fundraising and RAG Officer, expressed gratitude on behalf of her peers for the care and commitment shown by MOWCS and the NWU Development team.
Creating a Culture of Compassion and Sustained Giving
To maintain and expand the Meal-a-Day programme, NWU is establishing permanent food donation points on campus. Staff and students are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items, fostering a lasting culture of giving and solidarity. Colleagues from the Vanderbijlpark Campus have already made generous contributions: the Director of Student Life and the Bursary Office pledged R10,000 and R12,000 respectively. These acts of kindness go beyond financial assistance, they reflect a shared vision for a campus community where no one is left behind.
For those interested in supporting the initiative, donations and further information can be directed to Mr Sbusiso Gwala at NWUFundraising@nwu.ac.za.
Student-Led Kindness in Action: The Canned Food Drive
Beyond institutional efforts, NWU students continue to lead with heart. One highlight of this year’s student-driven initiatives was the annual Canned Food Drive, a spirited event that blended competition with compassion. Campus residences vied for culinary glory in Lovers’ Lane, cooking up their best soup creations to be shared with fellow students. The drive saw an outpouring of donations and volunteerism, all meals were prepared and served with love. At NWU, caring for one another isn’t an obligation, it’s a way of life.
Final Thought
The partnership between NWU and Meals on Wheels marks a significant step toward student well-being, one meal at a time. Anchored in community, compassion, and action, the Meal-a-Day initiative is more than a programme, it’s a promise. A promise that no student should ever be too hungry to learn.
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