PRESS RELEASE

MANA Leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau Hone Harawira

Big Ups To Fonterra – But Where’s The Government?

Friday 14th December

“Great news” said Hone Harawira, Leader of MANA and MP for Te Tai Tokerau of Fonterra’s announcement that their Milk in Schools programme would be extended from its pilot in Northland schools to include all interested primary schools in the country.

“I know the kids up home have really appreciated it and it’s bloody great to know that every other kid is going to get the same benefit – big ups to Fonterra for this” said Harawira. “And while I’m at it I also want to thank KidsCan who feed 4,500 kids every week”.

“But feeding society’s hungry children shouldn’t be left to well-meaning companies and charities” said Harawira. “Feeding the 80,000 kids who go to school hungry is government’s responsibility and I urge them to take up the recommendation of the Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty to develop and implement a government-funded food programme in low decile schools”.

“When the EAG talked to kids, even they said hunger was the number one priority. They also said that food programmes in schools was the best way to help kids focus and achieve”.

“I urge government to listen to the kids and the experts and support a comprehensive food in schools programme”.

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Harawira’s Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill proposes a government-funded breakfast and lunch programme in all decile 1-2 schools to feed the 110,000 plus children and young people who attend them. The programme will include co-ordinators at each school to work with businesses, charities, and school communities to provide the meals. The bill will be before Parliament for its first reading in February next year.

ENDS

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