Financial literacy is often spoken about in terms of budgeting, saving and managing debt, yet for most South African households, it is far more immediate and far more personal. It is woven into the daily decisions families make to stretch limited resources, put nutritious meals on the table and support the well-being of children.
As conversations around financial literacy continue to grow, the Tiger Brands Foundation (TBF) is highlighting a broader, more practical understanding of financial literacy; one that recognises that the choices families make around food are among the most significant financial decisions they face each day.
In South Africa, food accounts for a substantial portion of household expenditure, particularly in low-income communities. Rising food prices, transport costs and economic pressures mean that families are constantly weighing up cost, nutrition, convenience and value. These are not abstract financial concepts; they are lived realities that shape household stability and long-term well-being.
Financial literacy, therefore, is not only about understanding interest rates or planning for retirement. It is about navigating the supermarket aisle with intention. It is about knowing how to compare prices, read labels, plan meals and make choices that balance affordability with nutrition. It is about understanding that what we eat affects not only our health, but also our ability to learn, work and thrive.
“For the TBF, this connection between nutrition and financial well-being is central to its mission. Through its in-school nutrition programme, the Foundation provides nutritious meals to learners every school day, ensuring that children have the fuel they need to concentrate, participate and succeed,” says TBF Director Eugene Absolom.
“This daily intervention does more than address hunger; it supports better learning outcomes, reduces the financial pressure on families and reinforces the importance of nutritious food as a foundation for long-term well-being.”
The Foundation’s work demonstrates that financial literacy is not a standalone skill; it is part of a broader ecosystem of knowledge, access and support. When children receive a nutritious meal at school, households are able to redirect limited resources to other essential needs. When communities are empowered with information about nutrition, food choices and value-driven purchasing, they are better equipped to make decisions that strengthen their financial resilience.
“At the heart of this approach is the simple truth that good nutrition and financial well-being are deeply interconnected. A child who eats well is more likely to perform well academically,” explains Absolom.
“A family that understands how to maximise the value of its food budget is better positioned to withstand economic shocks. A community that has access to reliable information and nutritious food options is more resilient, more informed and more empowered.”
The Tiger Brands Foundation continues to drive meaningful impact at the intersection of nutrition, education and community well-being. By grounding financial literacy in the realities of daily life, the Foundation helps families and communities make smarter choices that support both immediate needs and long-term aspirations.
The Foundation encourages all households, educators, and community leaders to rethink what financial literacy truly means. It is not confined to spreadsheets or savings accounts, but is instead a daily practice shaped by small, intentional decisions – especially around food – that influence household stability, health and opportunity.
“The Tiger Brands Foundation urges South Africans to view financial literacy as a practical, everyday skill. By making informed choices, particularly about what we eat, we can strengthen our households, support our children’s futures, and build more resilient communities. Financial literacy begins with the decisions we make today, and its impact can last a lifetime,” Absolom concludes.