Ka Ora, Ka Ako

CONTINUING TO FEED KIWI KIDS: Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches Programme Updates

Introduced in 2019 and then expanded in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches Programme is still going strong, serving healthy and nutritious lunches to kids all across New Zealand.

As of the end of June 2022, the programme is delivering lunches in 947 schools and kura to over 220,000 students.

“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with principals reporting improved attendance, behaviour and focus in the classroom, particularly for students most in need,” noted Sean Teddy, Hautū (Leader) Operations and Integration.

“The interim evaluation of the programme showed ‘large benefits’ for all students in respect of the quality of food being eaten, and in reducing hunger. It also found that ‘large gains’ in mental wellbeing were made by the most disadvantaged students. On average, students experienced ‘small but significant’ improvements in their overall health, quality of life, and physical and emotional wellbeing.”

Serving Sustainably

The environmental impacts of how we eat have become laser-focused in recent years, and the Healthy School Lunches Programme is no exception. Teddy explained that being environmentally friendly and taking active steps to reduce climate change are integral

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aspects of the programme.

“Before becoming an approved supplier, all suppliers must demonstrate their ability to reduce the use of plastic food wrap, cutlery and tableware and use reusable and environmentally friendly packaging where they can,” he said.

Each supplier’s tender is evaluated on their approach to waste minimisation and environmentally sustainable solutions. In addition, this forms part of the deliverable’s agreement signed between the supplier and their schools or kura, which will show how they will work together to achieve environmentally sustainable solutions.

“A range of solutions are being used depending on the infrastructure and resources available in their community and region. For example, some suppliers use recycled plastics, compostable packaging, or reusable bento boxes,” continued Teddy.

“While suppliers are committed to having a minimal environmental impact and recycling, they face the same challenges around plastic use, such as making sure food stays fresh and regional differences in recycling policies. Many of the environmentally friendly packaging options are only manufactured overseas and because of supply chain issues caused by COVID-19, suppliers are also having difficulties sourcing sustainable options. Therefore, some suppliers may be needing to use non-recyclable options as an interim solution.”

Teddy also noted that the Ministry of Education is also actively engaging with key stakeholders to see how it can collectively develop New Zealand wide waste management best practices. This includes regional councils, Enviro Schools, the Ministry for the Environment, and key community groups. “Sustainability remains one of the focus areas for the programme, and we are exploring how we can better incorporate this into the programme going forward.”

With regards to food waste (which is defined as partially eaten food), schools, Kura and suppliers have plans in place for how to manage this. Examples of this can include composting food waste or sending to local pig farmers. H