Legislation Is Absolutely Needed to Feed Our Kids

Hone Harawira, MANA Leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau

Tuesday 7 May 2013

“A big thank you to Russell and his team for so clearly making the case for a government-funded food programme in low-decile schools”, said Hone Harawira, Leader of MANA and MP for Te Tai Tokerau.

The Children’s Commissioner, Dr Russell Wills, has released his office’s working paper A framework for food in schools programmes in New Zealand.

“I understand why he might think a law change isn’t needed, but the reality is that unless we make feeding our kids a legal requirement, it will be too easy for this government and any others to make funding cuts in the future or to axe the programme altogether – especially in tough economic times.

“As I’ve said from the beginning, feeding our kids should be our first priority and I want us to be bold enough to make the legal commitment to back this up.

“Russell has called for a public debate to determine how best to provide food programmes in schools and that’s precisely why I’m urging all MPs to support the Feed the Kids Bill at first reading.  Let’s have the debate there, let’s hear what works for kids, for whānau, for schools and communities, and let’s do it now.  I’m open to any amendments to my Bill that will get it passed and hungry kids fed.

“An estimated 80,000 kids are hungry at school each and every day and it’s time for action, not another cup of tea.

The Children’s Commissioner’s working paper raises four key issues that need to be addressed to improve current efforts to feed children and young people in schools:  1) nutritional guidelines; 2) programme monitoring; 3) coordination in schools to bring together government, whānau, communities, and business contributions; and 4) greater government investment.  Mr Harawira’s Feed the Kids Bill would legislate for a government-funded food in schools programme that meets nutritional guidelines and that is monitored annually.  The Bill has been costed to include the employment of Feed the Kids coordinators at each school.

“I’ve also said from the beginning that I’m more than happy to withdraw my Bill if the government tabled a food in schools policy that would feed every kid that goes to school hungry or without a decent lunch.  This isn’t about political point-scoring.  The Budget gets announced next week and the government could use it to do the right thing and invest in eliminating child hunger and ensure all of our kids have the opportunity to be well and learn for our collective wellbeing now and into the future.

ENDS

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