For millions of South African learners, a school meal is an essential part of the school day — but that meal must also be safe. A recent Sunday Times report highlights concerning gaps in food safety across the National School Nutrition Programme, with UWC School of Public Health PhD candidate Asanda Getyeza-Ntswam warning that the consequences can extend far beyond compliance. Her contribution highlights why protecting children’s health requires attention not only to nutrition, but to the entire food system that delivers it.