Thousands of children across Eastern Cape schools are going hungry after schools reportedly ran out of surplus funds to purchase food, sparking widespread concern about the sustainability of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). According to governing bodies and educational unions, including FEDSAS and NAPTOSA, the programme plays a vital role in encouraging school attendance and curbing dropout rates. However, stakeholders have condemned the current failures because of “poor planning and lack of accountability”. Phemelo speaks to Equal Education Eastern Cape Head, Ona Matshaya.