Local schools are in agreement that the Ka Ora, Ka Ako, Healthy School Lunches programme has been beneficial and that its removal could be detrimental.
Bathgate Park principal Katrina Robertson said the programme gave the opportunity for all pupils to have access to a healthy meal.
"These lunches provide a buffer to hunger as well as a guaranteed intake of essential nutrients."
Pupils who were not hungry were able to focus on learning and engaging in tasks.
"An added benefit of this programme is the removal of judgement about what is in someone’s lunch box.
"An even playing field is provided."
The removal of this meal could lead to food insecurity for some families, particularly those in lower-income regions, she said.
"We believe this programme offers a fundamental support that has far-reaching and long-lasting benefits for both the children eating the lunch as well as their families."
Concord School principal Steve Turnbull said it had been involved in the programme for four years and the engagement and attendance of pupils had improved.
"The lunches benefit whanau financially in these challenging times of high inflation."
Mr Turnbull said there was very little food waste and when there were leftovers pupils could have seconds or the meals were sent home with pupils.
"I believe this is money well spent. Investing in children’s health and education should be the number one priority for our country.
"Investing now and giving children the opportunities to become positive, productive and healthy members of society saves us as a nation in the long term."
Bradford School principal Emma Knopp said the programme had been "invaluable" at the school.
The research was very clear that "food in tummies" made a "monumental difference" to brain fuel, leading to an increase in learning and engagement and this had held true for the school.
While some whānau chose to supply their own lunch, any leftovers of those supplied were quickly absorbed by other pupils.
The whole-school participation in the programme helped anonymise those families who were struggling.
"Whānau circumstances can quickly change and it is far too simplistic to place the blame on families for any increase in need."
A reduction or discontinuation of the service would be "highly detrimental to our precious tamariki", she said.
Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches Programme
The Ministry of Education’s school lunch programme has the aim of reducing food insecurity by providing pupils a nutritious lunch every day.
Close to 230,000 pupils in more than 1000 schools across the country are being provided lunches.
To reduce the stigma of individual children being singled out by the programme, participating schools provide lunches to all their pupils.
The programme is provided at a maximum "per child, per day" cost, increasing from $5.82 per child for years 0 to 3, to $8.61 for years 9 and over.
Schools can choose an internal school-led model or they can outsource using an approved list of suppliers.
In Dunedin 15 schools are part of the programme, with a combined total roll of nearly 2000 pupils.
