Ko, Ka: Kids Deserve Good Kai
Why School Lunches Matter
Every child in Aotearoa deserves to thrive at school — and that starts with a full stomach.
Evidence shows that when tamariki eat well, they learn better, feel better, and do better.
But for many whānau, rising living costs make it hard to provide nutritious kai every day.
Food insecurity affects 1 in 4 children in New Zealand. A recent study found that 40% of low-income households often or sometimes run out of food.
Evidence shows that Healthy School Lunches Deliver Results
Launched in 2020, Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches delivered daily meals to over 220,000 students. Independent evaluations found the programme:
- Reduced hunger, especially among food insecure children.
- Increased fruit and vegetable intake, reduced unhealthy snacks.
- Delivered 30% of daily requirements for 78% of the key nutrients children need to thrive
- Provided on average 77% of energy recommended for school lunches.
- Improved mental health and wellbeing for ākonga by 9–20%
- Boosted attendance, engagement, and behaviour
- Improvements in behaviour, attitude, attendance and engagement for Māori learners
What Changed in 2025?
In 2025, a low-cost model of the programme was introduced that has prioritised cost over quality, with lunches provided by the new national consortium School Lunch Collective (SLC) being smaller in size and energy value. Schools and students have reported that the new lunches are:
- Smaller portions, poor quality and not as filling
- Not always appetising, with some not being eaten
Quotes: “When we’ve got bad food or not as much food, there’s a big loss of concentration. Everybody’s titchy. They’re irritable.”
“…the portions have gotten smaller… the quality is not at the standard as it was last year.”
Analysis of the SLC meals shows this is true…
A recent study conducted by nutritionists at the University of Auckland on SCL lunches in September 2025 found that:
- The standards for protein and grains, and starchy vegetables were being met, but it was uncertain whether the vegetable standards were being met
- Some of the snacks could be classified as ‘red’ (not permitted) foods
- The SLC meals provide only 14-20% of the energy required for a day, considerably lower than the benchmark of 30% for a school lunch, and lower than the energy values for the lunches provided in the initial Ka Ora, Ka Ako lunch programme.
What Needs to Happen Next?
We must invest in the future of our tamariki and provide them with the tools they need to thrive during their school years.
It’s clear from school and student feedback, and nutritional analysis that the new low-cost version of Ka Ora, Ka Ako is not delivering the same quality of meals as the initial programme.
We want to ensure that the same positive impacts from the initial programme continue to be delivered and are calling on the government to deliver a revised Ka Ora, Ka Ako v3.0 model that:
- Commits to the Ka Ora Ka Ako programme in Vote Education permanent funding
- Is based on a fair pricing model, balancing lunch quality, economic sustainability for suppliers and low cost to taxpayers
- Ensures provider meals deliver at least 25% of the energy intake needs of students
- Provides the flexibility for schools to select suppliers of their choice
To make the most of the investment in our tamariki, the programme design should incorporate these key principals:
- Build and invest adequately in a programme that delivers on its purpose and outcomes
- Use existing evaluation data and experiences from Ka Ora, Ka Ako v 1.0 to guide decision making
- Improve transparency by establishing a monitoring and evaluation programme with annual reporting on key indicators – nutrition, health, attendance and educational outcomes and waste
- Hold providers to account to ensure the meals provided consistently meet nutrition standards and energy requirements
The Numbers
- The Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy Lunch programme begins in 2020
- 220,000 students received lunches through Ka Ora, Ka Ako
- More than 1 in 4 (27%) children experience food insecurity in Aotearoa.
- In 2025, funding for SLC lunches decreases from $8.90 (years 9+) and $6.99 (Years 4-8) to $3.84
- Meal energy values (provided by ALC) decrease by 30-40%, providing 50% of energy recommended for school lunches
Public Support
Public support for the healthy school lunch programme is strong. A Talbot Mills nationwide survey of New Zealanders found:
- 63% support government-funded school lunches.
- 48% want the programme expanded.
- 52% disapprove of recent cuts.
- 54% said the deep cuts to the programme are the wrong move at a time when families are struggling
- Most people recognised a range of benefits from government provided school lunches:
- 86% agreed that they help stop kids going hungry
- 82% agreed that they help some kids learn better
- 79% agreed that they improve childhood nutrition
- 69% agreed that they support local food producers
How you can help
Tell your mates and encourage them to spread the word
Write to your local MP
Spread the word ‘cos #KidsDeserveGoodKai
