22 July 2024 Food for thought: How New Zealand's school lunch programme can add learning and local economies to the menu

On The Conversation, Lincoln University PhD candidate in Human Geography Heidi McLeod and Massey University's Professor Nitha Palakshappa, Associate Professor Sita Venkateswar and Research Office Derrylea Hardy discuss New Zealand's school lunch programme. 

The government’s changes to the Ka Ora, Ka Ako-Healthy School Lunches Programme – designed to save NZ$107 million a year – have understandably aroused passions in those closest to the issue.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour argues a “smarter” approach will still feed children in need, but at a lower cost per child “by embracing innovation and commercial expertise”.

Critics have focused on the new lunches probably being less nutritious by relying more on packaged and processed foods, and hot meals being off the menu from next year.

What also appears to have slipped off the table is any deeper exploration of how an expanded food programme – one that takes a “whole school” approach and responds to Aotearoa New Zealand’s now diverse food cultures – could make a real difference to schools and their communities.

Read the full article to learn how Ka Ora, Ka Ako could be improved to support the local food economy at The Conversation here >>

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