​“Feeling hungry makes you feel inferior to the people around you. It affects your concentration. You start to look for ways to find food. I don't think students should be worrying about food. Students should be students."

Two years ago, Steven (not his real name), was on the verge of dropping out of Stellenbosch University (SU). His parent's life savings were used up and he was running out of food. As the future dreams for this academically gifted student seemed to be crashing down, he felt hopeless.

In a last desperate attempt, he sent out appeals for financial aid based on his excellent academic results… and he waited. Then one day, he got the call that brought him to tears of relief: he had attracted the interest of a funder who was impressed by his hard work and achievement. He didn't have to worry about money for his studies anymore.

The hero in his story, his donor, effectively ensured that he would never need to survive on one loaf of bread for a whole week – ever again.

You can be the hero in a SU student's story too.

There are many students, who like Steven, face food insecurity at some point in their academic life. In 2018, 465 newcomers (both UG and PG) arrived on campus from homes with very high socio-economic disadvantage, immediately making them vulnerable to food insecurity. Many are NSFAS students, but the relief provided by fee-free higher education is constrained. Last year, 84.5% of emergency food allowances were allocated during the Nov/Dec exam period when bursary monies were depleted.

In a few weeks from now, Steven will put on his coveted graduation gown and sit in the row of students who will walk across a stage; then he and his family will receive the reward of their efforts as Steven graduates into the world of work and the life of which they all dreamt.

If you want to help others, like Steven, reach their finish line, please commit to making a donation on Giving Tuesday to Move4Food here: https://www.givengain.com/cc/su100/

Giving Tuesday, which takes place on 27 November, is a growing global charity, which showcases worthy causes.

If you want to give money or to do something more – why not sign up as a fundraiser and run, swim, walk, cycle, hike to help end student hunger at Stellenbosch University? We've come a long way – but there is still a long way to go. We need your help to get there.

• Want to get involved? Send an e-mail to givingday@sun.ac.za to sign up as a fundraiser in an upcoming sporting event.