The NSNP purposes to improve the learning capacity of learners through the provision of a healthy meal at school and also create job opportunities for unemployed people. Where it is implemented, the programme has shown to improve punctuality, regular school attendance, concentration and the general wellbeing of participating learners. Benefits and challenges associated with the National School Nutrition Programme:

Challenges:

1. Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NSNP requires effective planning, coordination, and stakeholder engagement. It may also involve overcoming political and bureaucratic obstacles to maintain funding and support.
2. Nutritional Quality: Ensuring the nutritional quality and diversity of meals provided by the NSNP is essential to meet the dietary needs of school children. However, budget constraints or reliance on processed foods may compromise the nutritional value of meals.
3. Community Engagement: The success of the NSNP relies on the involvement and support of various stakeholders, including government agencies, schools, parents, and local communities. Building
4. Funding Constraints: Adequate funding is crucial for the successful implementation of the NSNP. However, budgetary constraints or competing priorities may limit the resources allocated to the programme, affecting its reach and effectiveness.
5. Logistical Challenges: Distributing meals to numerous schools, often in remote or underserved areas, can present logistical challenges such as transportation, storage, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards.

Benefits:

1. Increased School Attendance: Access to nutritious meals at school incentivizes children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to attend school regularly, leading to higher enrollment and reduced absenteeism rates.
2. Health Promotion: The NSNP promotes healthy eating habits and lifestyles among school children, contributing to the prevention of diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and malnutrition.
3. Social Equity: By providing free or subsidized meals to all students, regardless of socio-economic background, the NSNP helps reduce disparities in access to nutritious food and promotes social equity.
4. Improved Nutrition: One of the primary objectives of the NSNP is to provide nutritious meals to school children, ensuring they receive essential nutrients necessary for their growth and development.
5. Enhanced Learning: Proper nutrition has been linked to improved cognitive function and academic performance. By providing nutritious meals, the NSNP aims to support better learning outcomes and academic achievement among students.

At the same time as learners are being provided with nutritious meals, they are also educated to establish and maintain good eating and lifestyle habits for life. Nutrition Education also offers educators with resource materials to support curriculum and to make every school a healthy school.

Schools are also encouraged to establish food gardens from which they obtain fresh produce (vegetables/fruit) to supplement the menu in line with South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines. Learners, teachers & parents are provided with skills to grow their own food contributing towards long-term household food security. The gardens are also used as a teaching and learning resource and to beautify the environment.

In conclusion the main aim of NSNP is to provide nutritious meals to learners so as to improve their ability to learn. The programme also teaches learners and parents on ways of living a healthy lifestyle, and promoting development of school vegetable gardens.