The ongoing issues with Ka Ora, Ka Ako include …
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Funding Cuts
In October 2024, David Seymour launched his cost-cutting school lunch programme. The lunches went from roughly $6 to $3 per meal.
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Job Loss
Jobs were lost as a result of the government's cost-cutting strategy for the school lunch programme, as local trusts were replaced with an international company.
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Unsatisfactory Taste
The school lunch programme has faced several significant challenges that impact the well-being and satisfaction of students.
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Inadequate Nutrition Standards
Common problems include meals that are nutritionally inadequate, failing to meet the dietary needs essential for growth and learning.
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Mislabelled Meals
Quality concerns such as meal mislabelling have caused confusion and health risks, especially for students with allergies or specific dietary requirements.
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Overheaded Meals
Overheated meals resulting in melted plastic further diminish the overall experience and reliability of the programme.
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Daily Food Waste
A major concern as many students are not eating the provided lunch as it is ‘inedible’.
Listen to the Media Releases
Don’t feel like reading? Listen to some RNZ podcasts to give you some insights into the school lunch programme.
Teachers
Voices from some of our research participants regarding their personal experiences with Ka Ora Ka Ako School Lunches Programme in New Zealand.
Students
Voices from some of our research participants regarding their personal experiences with Ka Ora Ka Ako School Lunches Programme in New Zealand.