The free school lunch programme has delivered its 100millionth free meal to low-decile school pupils since its nationwide rollout began nearly three years ago.
In the Otago-Southland region, 55 primary, intermediate and secondary schools participate in the programme, delivering to about 8150 pupils at a cost of up to $8.28 per pupil.
The programme targets pupils in schools and kura facing the greatest socio-economic barriers.
Kaikorai Valley College principal Rick Geerlofs said since it joined the programme about two years ago, there had been an appreciable difference among the pupils.
"We see a lot of pupils concentrating better as a result of having some healthy food in their belly," Mr Geerlofs said.
"We are seeing potentially fewer behaviour issues among the pupils."
Mr Geerlofs said pupils had become more aware of the need for healthy food at lunchtime.
"There’s more understanding of the need for a larger variety of food for learning," he said.
The decile-five school has about 450 pupils from year 7 to 13.
Mr Geerlofs said the school had made changes to the programme, such as including introducing more hot meals in winter.
"I wouldn’t make too many changes to the programme as it exists."
Pine Hill school principal Mel Ward said it was good to have pupils trying new food and expanding their palate.
The decile-three school has about 50 pupils.
"It’s helped out families with cost of living, and has freed up funds for other things," Ms Ward said.
"There’s quite a good uptake of children taking the unused food home to their whanau."
In its 2023 Budget, the government approved more than $300million to continue the free school lunch scheme, Ka Ora, Ka Ako, until the end of 2024.
Labour has pledged to continue the programme should it be re-elected, while National has said the party supports the government’s healthy school lunches programme, but it needs to ensure the project is providing value for money.
Libelle Group general manager Sabrina Matai’a said its company provides for 156 schools nationwide, including Kaikorai Valley College.
"It’s been an amazing journey. We were one of the initial pilot providers," Ms Matai’a said.
The company employs 400 staff dedicated to making about 26,000 free school lunches per day.
Ms Matai’a said she would like to see more community education about the benefits of proper nutritious food on learning.
"It was unfortunate that the programme was launched right when Covid-19 hit," she said.
"The programme needs to be extended, and needs to reach out to more children."
