A report showing one in five New Zealand children don’t have enough food should prompt urgent action to roll out a national strategy for free food in schools, Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said today.
A report showing one in five New Zealand children don’t have enough food should prompt urgent action to roll out a national strategy for free food in schools, Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said today.
“The Green Party have long-championed food in schools and we currently have a member’s bill in the ballot to establish a Ministry of Education fund for schools to apply to – or opt out of – based on need.
“Eligible schools would work with their community and existing organisations to make food available to children in the way that best suits their community.
“I’m really proud of our work in Government to put the heart back into the social support system. We are working closely with Government to look at changes to our social support system that will ensure vulnerable New Zealanders have more support and can live with dignity and put food on the table.
“In saying this, right now kids are going hungry, and we know guaranteeing them food each day is likely to quickly improve outcomes.
“Guaranteed food at school would ensure at-risk kids are healthier and more able to focus in class.
“This work, combined with the Child Poverty Bill, will be critical to genuinely reducing poverty in New Zealand”.