Children learn better with full tummies

We know from research that children's development and learning improve when they aren't hungry. We also know that some tamariki | children in New Zealand don’t always get enough to eat.

Ka Ora, Ka Ako means ākonga | students in the programme get a good, healthy lunch every day to help them learn.

Eating together as a school

The goal is for all students to share the same kai | food together. Every student in the school gets a meal, not just those who did not bring one. Sometimes students can be embarrassed if only some are given food. If everyone is treated the same, there is no stigma for those children.

Talk to your school if you do not want your tamariki and rangatahi | young people to participate.

Wider benefits

Some schools and kura use the healthy school lunch programme as a chance to learn about nutrition or sustainability. In some schools, students are involved in activities such as growing vegetables, making food or designing menus as part of their learning.

Success stories – Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches Programme

Who makes the lunches for Ka Ora, Ka Ako

Schools and kura decide whether they want to make their own lunches or use a supplier.

On 8 May 2024, the Government announced a change for Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches Programme as part of Budget 2024. Under this change, lunches will be provided differently for Year 7+ learners from the beginning of 2025. There is no change in how lunches are provided for Years 1-6 learners.

Schools with Year 7+ learners will order food from a central source to store, prepare and distribute to learners. 

These changes will take effect from the beginning of 2025. The programme will remain as is for the rest of the 2024 school year. The programme is funded until the end of 2026.

Smarter lunch programme feeds more costs less – Beehive

Supplied lunches

Ministry-approved suppliers across New Zealand prepare and deliver healthy lunches to schools. Schools can choose which suppliers they partner with. Suppliers are a mix of large and small local companies.

Lunches made in school

Schools and kura can choose to prepare their own lunches in kitchens on-site. This allows them more flexibility to respond to the needs of students.

Lunches made by iwi and hapū

In some communities, schools and kura have decided to partner with a local iwi or hapū to supply lunches.

This gives iwi and hapū the opportunity to respond directly to the needs of ākonga.

It supports:

• identity, language, and culture of ākonga Māori
• whānau | family and community involvement.

Healthy, safe and nutritious meals

Lunch suppliers must follow the same safety standards as any other commercial food provider. They must provide safe options for children with food allergies and special or complex dietary needs.

For example, children who are vegetarian, vegan, coeliac, or eat according to religious beliefs, such as halal food, are catered to.

If your child has an allergy or special diet, let your school know.

We have developed nutrition standards for our providers to follow. Nutritionists review the lunch choices to check standards are being supported.

The Ka Ora, Ka Ako website has information about food standards and safety.

Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches Programme

What happens to extra food

To make sure there are always enough lunches for all students, sometimes there are lunches left over.

Surplus lunches can be offered to students in a range of ways, including as seconds during lunchtime, afternoon tea, after school clubs or to be taken home.

It is important that this food is always stored and reheated properly. The Ka Ora, Ka Ako website has guidelines about reheating food safely.

Managing surplus lunches safely – Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches Programme