I had an urgency upon completing my MBA studies in 2016 to create or invest in a business that could make a positive difference in South Africa. Three years later, in 2018, an incredible opportunity presented itself that could potentially be the answer to my quest. I was offered the chance to acquire a food factory that produced “nutritious feeding scheme meals” for thousands of children across the country.

Digging deeper into the company’s product range was disheartening. Although the food factory made great profits, the nutrient content of the meals was questionable. The breakfast meals served to children were mainly maize based porridge loaded with sugar, salt, and added vitamins. For lunch there was flavored soy with a starch. Any dietitian would describe the meals as energy-rich but nutrient-poor. The recipes lacked essential nutrients like animal source proteins. I was further shocked to realize that the questionable meals but so-called “super nutritious breakfast and lunch servings” dished to deprived growing children were unlikely to ever reach the plates of the same aged children growing up in middle and high-income households. This is wrong and scewed.