According to the latest data from the January Household Affordability Index, nearly 13 million children in South Africa rely on the Child Support Grant, signifying its crucial role in supporting vulnerable families. The grant, amounting to R560 per child each month, has become one of the largest social support programs in the country, highlighting the extent to which South African households depend on it for basic necessities like food and shelter. However, the January index also indicates that the cost of providing a basic nutritious diet for children far exceeds this grant amount, creating additional financial challenges for families who must manage tight budgets and prioritize their children's needs amidst rising living costs.