StartWell Foundation opens factory shop in Stellenbosch to extend further impact

The StartWell Foundation, a local non-profit, will launch a factory shop that offers the public a range of nutritious foods in Stellenbosch on Tuesday, December 2. 

The expansion aims to show the public how they can extend their impact further than the local community.

The launch will take place at 39 George Blake, Plankenbrug, Stellenbosch. The day will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the foundation’s donors and partners, who will also have an opportunity to tour the new offices.

The factory shop will offer the public nutritious products such as cereals for infants and high-protein cereals for active children, as well as high-quality items for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. From Pure Whey Concentrate to the HiPro+ high-protein meal replacer and protein-rich cereals, the store aims to cater to a wide range of nutritional needs. Additional protein-focused products will be introduced in the future.

Although the shop has already had a soft launch last month in Stellenbosch and is open to customers, it will officially open to the public on Wednesday, December 3. 

Org van der Wath founded the StartWell Foundation in 2018 with one clear goal: to help eliminate child stunting in South Africa. The foundation’s focus is on young children from resource-poor households and communities - ensuring they get the right nutrition at the most critical time of their development.

StartWell Foundation designs, produces, and distributes ready-to-eat, protein-rich meals to crèches, pre-schools, and feeding schemes across the country. Beyond providing meals, the foundation also educates families on the important role that small amounts of animal-sourced foods play in children’s diets - and why little ones need to eat first, as their brains and bodies develop rapidly during a short but crucial window of growth.

“The effects of child stunting are life-altering and permanent. These children often struggle to focus in school, solve problems, and regulate their emotions. Physically, they are shorter than their genetic potential allows, and later in life, they face a higher risk of metabolic diseases. What’s even more devastating is that stunting often continues across generations,” Mr van der Wath said.

“We understand how essential protein is for athletes building muscle or farmers raising healthy livestock. The same principle applies to our children,” he said.

Nontsikelelo Sokabo, a teacher at Kuyasa Playgroup in Kayamandi, said the foundation has been supplying them with meals for the past two years.

“Before the children began receiving StartWell's porridge, many were weak and struggled to take part in daily activities. Since the programme started, we have seen real change. They are growing stronger, becoming more active, social, and playing outside. Their mental and physical development is clear,” she said.

Mr van der Wath expressed his gratitude as the organisation continues to expand. “We are deeply grateful to see the StartWell Foundation growing. What began in Johannesburg has now expanded to include new offices in Stellenbosch, which opened in early October 2025, allowing us to extend our impact even further,” he said.

Prices will remain affordable, and all profits will go directly toward supporting the StartWell Foundation’s mission: combating stunting in South Africa and helping more children reach their full potential. The profits from the sale of the products go towards supporting the charity initiatives of the foundation. 

For more information, contact Lisa Verster at lisa@startwellfoundation.org.