The free and healthy school lunches programme feeds our kids, helps them to learn, and saves families money – but it is at risk under this Government, says Labour education spokesperson Jan Tinetti.
“National and ACT must commit to keeping free and healthy lunches in schools, which is making a difference in the lives of many children and young people.
“Teachers and principals I speak to are clear on the benefits of this programme. They see the difference in kids when their tummies are full after lunch.
“ACT’s cold argument that it’s not worth it without more data ignores the simple fact that every child deserves lunch, regardless of where they live or go to school.
“You can’t measure the value of a child having enough to eat.
“The way the programme is delivered to children and young people in lower socio-economic areas, determined by the equity index, already sees it going to those who need it most.
“We also know how tough it is for many families right now with the cost of living and a Government doing nothing about it. Free and healthy school lunches currently saves a family $33 per week per child, or up to $1,250 per year per child on average. It also creates jobs in our communities.
“That’s why Labour has launched a campaign to save school lunches, because even a programme that puts food in kids’ tummies and saves working people money is at risk with David Seymour and Christopher Luxon in charge.”
Join us and sign the petition to save free and healthy school lunches.
3 comments
Hmmm
Posted on 06-03-2024 21:24 | By Let's get real
Feed the world... There's obviously some merit for those that really need the support, but Labour and the Greens want everyone to absolve themselves of all responsibility for caring for their own children and to become more reliant on government handouts.
My family had to apply for free school meals at school years ago and Mum would often go hungry so that we could eat (often weetbix and jam as an evening meal) And guess what advice they gave to all of us... If you can't feed them, don't breed them until you can.
I know genuine poverty and I know how hard my parents worked and then on their days off, they would spend the whole day growing food in the front and back garden.
Too many free handouts, results in laziness and apathy. Neither of which helps kids to grow and aspire.
There are no plans.....
Posted on 07-03-2024 06:56 | By groutby
.....to stop the 'free' school meals at this stage, but certainly to ensure they are targeted at those genuinely in need....there are many reports of wastage and we have all heard about them...
We know there must be a serious reduction to taxpapayer funded 'free' stuff particularly while we have a mindset of mediocre to negative productivity leading in itself to a lower tax take, so less money for 'free' stuff, let alone things like infrastructure and housing to name just two out of many failing over the last six years....
Labour desperate for a headline?
Posted on 07-03-2024 10:44 | By an_alias
Come on its up to the parents to make sure there kids have lunches. Labour is clearly desperate for any headline.
Labour you are not my kids parent despite you trying to undermine me at every chance.
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