On Tuesday, 09 September, the Dunoon Community Health Centre  became a vibrant space for connection, education, and personal empowerment. The Noakes Foundation and Eat Better South Africa team set up in the waiting area for a special outreach event, bringing science, support and stories of hope directly to the community.

We were joined by Diane and Bob Weissman, our dedicated funders who travelled from the US, and Professor. Tim Noakes. Their shared vision of inspiring change through nutritional education has been the driving force behind the successful Eat Better South Africa programs that have been running at the Dunoon Community Health Centre for the past 2 years. Their visit provided a bridge between research and lived experience as participants from our recent six-week program arrived to share their personal journeys. These weren’t just testimonials. They were reflections of transformation, resilience, and hope. Several participants from previous outreaches also returned to reconnect with the team, refresh their knowledge, and seek further guidance. Their continued engagement reminded us that healing is a journey shaped by ongoing support and shared learning.

One of the most impactful moments of the day was our visual sugar demonstration. We displayed common household food items alongside the amount of sugar each contains. The impact was significant. Clinic patients walking by and were forced to stop, stunned by the reality of hidden sugars in everyday foods. The demo sparked spontaneous conversations about what “real food” is and how many have been led to believe that food marketed as “healthy” is not always the case. It was a simple but powerful way to make the invisible visible and to show how knowledge can reshape choices.

This outreach was more than screenings and data. It was about presence, listening, and offering tools that can shift health trajectories. The energy in the room was electric. From heartfelt exchanges to eye-opening revelations, the day reminded us why this work matters.

As we continue building participant-centered programs, days like these affirm the importance of practical education and human connection. Our visit to the Dunoon community health centre reminded us that when science meets compassion, change becomes possible. One conversation, one demo, one story at a time.

Let’s keep building on this momentum.