A Māori health researcher says the overwhelming benefits from free school lunches shows it’s time to consider extending the programme to all schools in Aotearoa.
Only 25 percent of schools and kura are eligible for the government’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako healthy school lunch programme.
David Tipene-Leach, the professor of Māori and indigenous research at Te Aho A Māui – Eastern Institute of Technology, says good kai fuels the puku, and the brain.
He’s co-authored an article in Victoria University’s Policy Quarterly setting out many of the wide-ranging health and wellbeing benefits.
“This is physically good for kids. There is evidence from overseas that its good for kids mental health, to be having good food. It’s good for dental health and its good for skin. There’s reports, here in Hawke’s Bay of skin infections and exzema and skin afflications clearing up in the schools – because they’re getting a decent lunch,” Professor Tipene-Leach says.
He says Ka Ora, Ka Ako is an investment in the next generation rather than a drain on taxpayers.
