This indicator shows the number and percentage of children living in households where children were reported to go hungry 'sometimes', 'often' or 'always' because there isn't enough food.
Nutrition is particularly important for children because they are still growing and developing. Parents and families have the primary duty to make sure that their children have food. The government has a duty to support parents in feeding their children if they are unable to do so.
Overweight and obesity in early childhood increases the risk for adult obesity, as well as associated conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure. All of these are conditions with rising prevalence in South Africa.
Micronutrients are crucial for healthy growth and development. In South Africa, the main forms of micronutrient deficiencies that affect children are vitamin A, iron and zinc deficiencies.