The Government’s school lunch programme is facing renewed scrutiny following the Auditor-General’s report, with Children’s Rights Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad warning that access to nutritious food is not simply a policy choice, but a matter of children’s rights, wellbeing and educational success.
The independent review found significant shortcomings in the delivery of the programme, highlighting concerns around reliability, quality assurance, contract management and whether the redesigned system is consistently meeting the needs of students who depend on school lunches each day.
Dr Achmad says the consequences extend well beyond missed meals. For many tamariki, school lunches are an essential part of their daily nutrition and provide the foundation needed to participate fully in learning. When meals fail to arrive, arrive late, or fail to meet expected nutritional standards, the impact can be felt in classrooms, on attendance, and on children’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
She says every child has the right to an adequate standard of living, including access to nutritious food, and that ensuring children are well fed is central to protecting their dignity and giving them the opportunity to thrive. The issue is particularly significant for children living in households experiencing financial hardship, where school meals may represent one of the most reliable sources of healthy food each day.
The Commissioner says concerns raised by schools and communities about meal quality, nutrition and consistency deserve serious attention. While acknowledging the importance of delivering value for taxpayers, she says financial savings cannot come at the expense of children’s health or the effectiveness of the programme.
Evidence from both New Zealand and overseas continues to show that quality school meal programmes contribute to improved attendance, better concentration in class, stronger educational outcomes and improved physical health. They also reduce stigma by ensuring all eligible children have access to nutritious food in a way that supports inclusion and participation.
Dr Achmad says debates over whether governments should fund school lunches overlook the broader social and economic benefits that come from investing early in children’s wellbeing. She argues that supporting children to learn, develop and succeed delivers long-term benefits not only for individual whānau but for the country as a whole.
Looking ahead, the Commissioner says restoring confidence in the programme will require a renewed focus on quality, nutritional standards, reliable delivery and stronger engagement with schools, whānau and local communities. She says those closest to children should have greater input into how the programme is designed and delivered, ensuring it reflects the needs of diverse communities across Aotearoa.
She believes a successful school lunch programme should be viewed as an investment in the nation’s future, helping reduce inequality while giving every child the opportunity to learn, participate and reach their full potential.
With growing public debate over the future of the programme, the findings of the Auditor-General and the Children’s Rights Commissioner’s ongoing advocacy have intensified calls for improvements that place tamariki at the centre of decision-making.
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