South Africa is the most advanced economy in Africa and is on par with many developed countries when it comes to financial systems, infrastructure and technology. But despite the many gains over the years, there's been an increase in poverty. Over 55% of the population in South Africa, don't have access to adequate food, clothing and shelter. Children are the most affected. Malnutrition is a serious challenge and is one of the main causes of stunted growth. There are several organizations in the country that are trying to ensure people don't go hungry. Sadly it's not always possible. Sumitra Nydoo visited the African Children's Feeding Scheme, one of the oldest non-profit organizations in the country.

This is one of seven, ACFS feeding centres in Soweto - the largest township in South Africa, home to over 4.5 million people.

Over a hundred young children make their way here either after school, during the weekend or the holidays because for many of these toddlers, this is where they are guaranteed a meal. And often its the only meal they will get for the day.

Unemployment and poverty is rising in South Africa. Millions of people are going to bed hungry at night because they simply can't afford to eat. According to Statistics South Africa, 28% of households are at risk of hunger.

The famous Bishop Trevor Huddleston established the African Children's Feeding Scheme, in 1973.

"The reason for him to start the organisation was to combat malnutrition at the townships then, it's something that we still pursue even today, to provide nutritious food to the needy children. It is the difference that it is making in our communities."

A recent Early Childhood Development report by Stats SA found that approximately a third of children in Gauteng and in the Free State were stunted as a result of chronic malnutrition. Gauteng is the economic hub of South Africa. It's the smallest province but one the most populated. Malnutrition can lead to disorders that affect cognitive and psychosocial development. For growing children up to the age of 5 this development is fundamental to enable thinking and communication. This ACFS centre is doing its utmost bridge this gap.

"We are happy to have such a feeding scheme like this one because we helping some kids with the food. Some of them sleep without food so if they come, they know they're going to get food and it helps even the parents. Some of the parents are not working so they volunteer sometimes and we say if you come and water the gardens, you can have maybe onions and cabbage but not every week."

Despite vast tracks of land and a significant agricultural sector, South Africa is still a net importer of food. Filling up a trolley comes at a high cost. Even the basics, bread and milk are expensive.

The ACFS has had its fair share of challenges. Even though the orgnisation is 73 years old, it's struggling financially. As a non profit, the ACFS depends on donor funding and sponsorships. South Africa's weak economic position saw a few donors tightening their purses. ACFS once fed over 30 thousand children across the country. That number has halved in the last few years as some centres had to be closed down.

"The suspension of those 3 centres, it was due to the financial constraints and the shrinkage of funding from the corporate donors and the economy of the country as well, that resulted in the shortage of money that we had to suspend other centers just for feeding but other programs are running in those centres."

Community volunteers are now helping with small subsistence farming. They've helped to establish a veggie garden. The vegetables harvested are cooked for the children. The excess is sold off in the community providing a bit of petty cash for the centre.

"But we are also as an organisation as you see around us, we trying also not to depend on Donors and other corporates, but also the organisation is starting now to sustain itself through food gardening. That we use these veggies to feed the children, we use these veggies that the families, they can take home and we use the surplus for selling and sustain the organisation."

And it's making a difference. Many of the children here come from broken and unstable homes. It's encouraging to see children running around making a racket as they are meant to. For these little ones, it's more than just a meal, it's a sense of belonging too.

ACFS BENEFICIARY "I'm living with a pensioner, I'm living with a granny and I don't have a mother and father, so I live with my great granny. It is important to have a feeding scheme like this because it helps us to defeat hunger and be strong, be healthy so that we can have a brighter future."