Free lunch programme enables students to thrive – researcher
Researchers are calling for the Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch programme to continue after their case study of the scheme at a Tararua high school found clear benefits.
Concerns have been raised about the future of the programme after Associate Education Minister David Seymour confirmed this week that he was reviewing the policy as the Government looks to reduce spending.
The taxpayer-funded scheme was introduced at eligible schools in 2019 to provide children with a free and healthy lunch every day. It now caters for about 230,000 children across New Zealand.
Recent research from Massey University’s school of health sciences showed the implementation of Ka Ora, Ka Ako at Dannevirke High School from 2021 was associated with improved student outcomes and reduced food insecurity as well as enhanced learning, behaviour and engagement.
The programme had also strengthened relationships between students and staff, the researchers concluded.
Associate Professor Chrissy Severinsen, a member of the research team, said the school’s model showed that “when thoughtfully planned, school meal programmes create environments that enable students to thrive”.
Rather than outsourcing meals, the school had opted to develop a commercial kitchen in an old hostel building and refresh the dining hall.
Students and staff eat together in the wharekai each day.
Dr Angelique Reweti (Ngāpuhi), another of the researchers, said this daily practice strengthened bonds between students and staff while also tackling issues such as hunger and other barriers to learning. “It has become a cornerstone of the school culture.”
She said teachers reported that the programme improved student concentration, behaviour and engagement, and that it had led to stronger student-teacher and student-student relationships.
Other benefits included reduced waste from pre-packaged meals and a cleaner school environment.
Reweti said the study was a powerful reminder of what Ka Ora, Ka Ako could do.
The programme was “not only mitigating hunger, but also enriching the educational experience for students”, she said.
“By fostering a sense of community and belonging, improving engagement and enhancing academic performance, the programme demonstrates the vital link between student wellbeing and educational achievement.”
The researchers were concerned that discontinuing Ka Ora, Ka Ako would risk reversing the dramatic gains in learning, behaviour, culture and wellbeing at schools such as Dannevirke High School.
They urged policymakers to consider the research before making decisions that could detrimentally affect communities.
Associate Professor Bevan Erueti (Taranaki, Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) said the team welcomed discussions about improving the programme. However, if it was stopped, schools risked losing substantial cultural, health and education benefits, he said.
Dannevirke High principal Di Carter shared these concerns.
“Please do not let this go away – it’s too good. It’s for our students, for their learning. We need it.”