COVID-19 social relief of distress grant and food insecurity in South Africa

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted South Africa’s economy, exacerbating household vulnerabilities. In response, the government established the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in 2020 to support working-age adults facing economic hardship. Although initially conceived as a temporary measure, the grant has been extended multiple times. Despite extensive research on social assistance programs, evidence on their long-term effects on food insecurity in low- and middle-income countries remains limited. This study examines the effect of the COVID-19 SRD grant on household food insecurity in South Africa over a four-year period (2020–2023), using fixed-effects analysis of nationally representative General Household Survey (GHS) data. Contrary to expectations, the findings indicate that receipt of the grant was associated with a significant increase in food insecurity. These results underscore the complexities of cash transfer programs, suggesting that immediate financial relief may not translate into long-term economic stability. The study emphasises the importance of integrated policy interventions, including direct food support, employment initiatives, and sustainable income-generating strategies, in enhancing household food security. Policymakers and stakeholders should consider these unintended consequences when designing future social protection measures to ensure they effectively support vulnerable populations during crises.