Media release from Every Child Counts
Poll Result a Welcome Indication of Public Support For Children
The One News Colmar Brunton poll showing that 70 percent of the public supports State-funded food in schools reflects
public concern about the impact of poverty on children and the need for the government to take action, says the ‘Community Campaign for Food in Schools’.
“Tonight’s poll reflects what New Zealanders up and down the country have been telling us: food in schools is a sensible
policy that provides an immediate response to children in need and we want government action to address child poverty,”
says Deborah Morris-Travers, manager of Every Child Counts.
“In a food producing nation like ours, it is scandalous to have children going hungry, yet that is the reality for many
of the 270,000 children living in poverty. For families on limited incomes, housing and electricity are likely to be
paid for ahead of food, leaving some families short of the nutritious food that children need.
“It is good to see that so many people appreciate the importance of feeding children at school. Food in schools is a
practical, child-centred response to the impact of poverty on children. It can increase health, improve education
outcomes and build stronger communities.
“Children themselves have told us they want food in schools and that hunger is the priority issue associated with
poverty.
“We look forward to the government’s food in schools announcement tomorrow. We hope it will provide the most nutritious
food possible to the most children possible, delivered in a way that builds school communities. From there, we hope to
see the government take steps to implement the wider recommendations of the Experts Advisory Group on Solutions to Child
Poverty,” concludes Ms Morris-Travers.
Note to Editors:
* Community Campaign for Food in Schools
(as at 27 May)
Anglican Church
Auckland Action Against Poverty
Barnardos
Caritas Aotearoa NZ
Child Poverty Action Group
Choose Kids: Students Giving Kiwi Kids a Chance
CTU Rūnanga
Every Child Counts
IHC
Manaia PHO
Methodist Church
NZ Educational Institute
NZ Nurses’ Organisation
NZ Principals’ Federation
Plunket
Poverty Action Waikato
PPTA
Quality Public Education Coalition (QPEC)
Salvation Army
Save the Children
Te ORA (Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa): Māori Medical Practitioners’ Association
Te Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko i te Ora (Māori Women’s Welfare League)
Te Tai Tokerau PHO
Te Waka Huia Māori Cultural Group
Tertiary Education Union
The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
Unicef NZ
Women’s Refuge
ENDS