Education leaders write to PM on lunch cuts
A dozen education leaders have jointly written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, urging him to prevent funding cuts to the free lunch programme Ka Ora, Ka Ako.
Ka Ora, Ka Ako was allotted $323 million in Budget 2023 and feeds about 230,000 children. Associate education minister David Seymour has justified the cuts as winding down Government spending and pointed to a 2023 report which found 12% of lunches were left over.
The letter to Luxon was signed by 12 leaders of the education sector’s biggest unions and associations, including NZ Educational Institute, NZ Post Primary Teachers’ Association, NZ Principals Federation, and Early Childhood NZ.
“One in five children in our country live with food poverty. Nutritious food is essential for learning, which is why the school lunch programme was created,” the letter read.
It pointed to an international survey, done by the OECD, that found students who miss meals due to lack of money are academically two to four years behind those who don’t.
In New Zealand the survey found 14% of students missed at least one meal a week for this reason, nearly double the OECD average of 8%.
The letter to Luxon said that under the programme, students had improved focus and social skills, fewer behavioural problems, and avoided food poverty stigma.
“Your Government is committed to improving student achievement and supporting Kiwi families who are facing significant cost of living pressures.
“We strongly believe that Ka Ora Ka Ako is a critical investment to make in our students and in their ability to fulfil their potential. “We therefore encourage you to maintain the current levels of funding for the programme.”
NZEI Te Riu Roa president Mark Potter said he knew from direct experience “when students have enough to eat they are better able to concentrate on their learning”.
Last week benefits were cited by students and staff at Chisnallwood Intermediate School in Christchurch and Arakura School in Wainuiomata.
Save the Children New Zealand and Health Coalition New Zealand also spoke in support of the programme, and the Labour party launched a petition to protect the programme.
On Monday, education leaders and children’s advocates will eat lunch with Arakura School students to further reinforce their support of Ka Ora, Ka Ako.