Aotearoa’s free school lunch programme – Ka Ora, Ka Ako – is being gobbled up by Waipā school students.
And some of the principals whose schools receive the lunches have told The News they want the “valuable resource which is filling a genuine need” to continue.
One cited the lunches as making a “positive difference” towards increasing school attendance for some.
The comments come as the Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) says new research conducted by Auckland University research fellow Pippa McKelvie-Sebileau – in which students, whānau and principals in four Hawke’s Bay schools were interviewed – marks the first time the views of those most directly impacted by Ka Ora, Ka Ako have been recorded and presented by researchers.
The HCA – which wants to see the programme expanded – submitted a petition to Parliament in June calling for the programme’s scope to be doubled.
The Government agreed to fund Ka Ora, Ka Ako at its current size – 25 percent of schools in what it calls New Zealand’s “most disadvantaged” areas – until the end of 2024.
An HCA spokesperson said the latest research showed over 80 per cent of the families interviewed – 82 percent to be exact – were experiencing significant financial insecurity.
The same percentage identified as Māori, they said.
Student participants in the study reported the lunches had alleviated hunger in a way that was “mana-enhancing… because everyone ate the same meal together”.
“For parents, the lunches had a big impact on their grocery bill and increased financial security.”
And collectively, the spokesperson added, the research showed “important evidence of wide benefits” stemming from the scheme.
Health Coalition Aotearoa figures provided to The News show four schools in both Te Awamutu and Kihikihi – Te Wharekura o Ngā Purapura o Te Aroha, Kihikihi School, Pekapekarau School and Te Awamutu Intermediate School – are part of Ka Ora, Ka Ako.
Two of them – Te Awamutu Intermediate School and Pekapekarau School – returned requests for comment in time for this edition.
At Te Awamutu Intermediate School – where Ka Ora, Ka Ako began in late 2021 – principal Pip Mears said one of the main pieces of feedback the school regularly received is that parents and caregivers welcomed the programme.
The intermediate facilitates the programme in partnership with Pita Pit and Subway, with a variety of hot and cold lunches delivered to the classrooms.
“We have routines in place at school to also ensure no lunches are wasted and that they are given to others in need,” Mears said.
“Mostly parents and caregivers tell us they appreciate the financial pressure that is eased by not having to supply food for school lunches every day.
“And, knowing that there is a healthy meal provided at school is, simply, a relief. Also, students are noticeably excited when their favourite lunches arrive.”
While the school had not completed any specific research showing whether focus and learning is improved from the lunch programme, Mears said existing research shows concentration is hindered by hunger.
“And we do see this from time to time at school. What we do know from feedback and conversations with students and whānau is that the school lunch programme does make a positive difference to school attendance for some,” she said.
Mears said there are families within the Te Awamutu Intermediate School community who rely on Ka Ora, Ka Ako to supply at least one healthy meal to their children each day.
And that’s one of the main reasons she wants it to continue.
“While not everyone has the same level of need, I would be very disappointed to see any family have this valuable resource taken away when they genuinely need the support.”
Pekapekarau School principal Tania Bagley agrees.
“In short, we love the programme and see great benefits. No set menu will ever please everybody, but our provider is highly responsive to our feedback and makes changes accordingly.”
