Pick n Pay Mobilises Stakeholders to Support Learners with Back-to-School Basics

Pick n Pay yesterday launched its inaugural Project School Takeover at Bergrivier NGK Primary School, marking the first of three farm school interventions this month in communities where the retailer operates. The initiative is a Pick n Pay-led programme delivered in collaboration with Pick n Pay’s CSI platforms, Feed the Nation Foundation, and Pick n Pay School Club, along with generous suppliers (sponsors) demonstrating how the retailer’s network creates meaningful, dignified impact at scale.

At the handover, 110 learners received grocery hampers valued at approximately R1 000 each, fully funded by Pick n Pay’s Feed the Nation Foundation, alongside essential back-to-school supplies donated to each learner, in addition to a generous donation of supplies for the school.

Project School Takeover responds to the financial pressure many South African families face at the start of the school year, when too many children still arrive at school without basic necessities. By providing both learner and school support, the programme gives families a dignified start to the year so that children can focus on learning.

“Project School Takeover is a Pick n Pay initiative that brings together the full strength of our CSI platforms, from Feed the Nation Foundation to Pick n Pay School Club, working alongside our suppliers and partners,” says Katherine Madley, Chief Marketing Officer at Pick n Pay. “Our purpose is to give every child and their family a start to the school year like they have never had before, easing the financial pressure of January and allowing families to focus on school. When our teams and partners come together, we can deliver real relief and real impact.”

Feed the Nation Foundation, established by Pick n Pay in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrates its sixth anniversary this year. Since its inception, the Foundation has played a critical role in addressing food insecurity among schoolchildren and child-headed households through school feeding initiatives, family food relief, and dignity-led interventions aligned to education. Project School Takeover forms part of this long-term commitment to ensuring vulnerable learners are supported not just in moments of crisis, but throughout their educational journey.

“Food security and dignity are essential for learning,” says Deirdre Mullins, from Feed the Nation Foundation. “As Feed the Nation marks six years of supporting vulnerable communities, this initiative reflects our ongoing mission to ensure that no child goes to school hungry. Funding the learner hamper allows us to strengthen families at the very start of the school year, creating stability and more supportive learning environments for children.”

The initiative is delivered with the help of Pick n Pay School Club, which will support more than 2 750 primary schools with free educational content across South Africa in 2026. Operating as a collaboration platform, Pick n Pay School Club enables like-minded organisations to work together in supporting education in South African schools, amplifying impact and reach.

Pick n Pay aims to grow Project School Takeover annually, supporting under-resourced schools across its national footprint so that they are fully equipped to help learners reach their full potential at the start of every school year.

Next week, Pick n Pay will visit Klipfontein Primary School in Swellendam and Corrie Lynn Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal, as part of the national rollout.

To get involved in these initiatives, please contact  www.schoolclub.co.za 

About the Initiative

Pick n Pay’s Project School Takeover is a community-driven programme aimed at supporting schools through meaningful, practical interventions. The initiative is rooted in the belief that collective strength creates real and lasting change. The project brings together corporate, NGO, and brand partners to improve learning environments, uplift communities, and provide essential resources to schools in need. Project School Takeover is delivered in partnership with Pick n Pay School Club, Feed the Nation Foundation, and a network of committed sponsors.

Notes to Editors

This programme is built on the belief that collective action creates meaningful, lasting change. Through the generosity and commitment of its partners, Pick n Pay has been able to deliver practical support that will have a positive impact on schools, learners, and communities.

Pick n Pay extends its sincere appreciation to all sponsors and partners who supported the Project School Takeover initiative.

Pick n Pay is proud to collaborate with organisations that share a commitment to making a real difference.

Thank you to:

AmkaCoca-ColaColgate

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