1 May 2013
Immediate Release
 
Feed the Kids, Improve the Learning
 
NZEI Te Riu Roa says that if the Government is serious about addressing underachievement in education it should vote for the bill to provide children in low decile schools with breakfasts and lunches.
 
“Poverty is the leading cause of educational underachievement, “says NZEI President Judith Nowotarski.
 
“Teachers know it and see children every day who are not ready to learn because they haven’t had enough to eat.”
 
“Research shows that hunger adversely affects children’s behaviour in the classroom. This is partly due to their poor nutrition and partly due to the stress of worrying about where their next meal is coming from.”
 
“School breakfast programmes result in clear improvements in school achievement, in children’s ability to pay attention and be creative. With more and more children living in poverty, it is time for a co-ordinated national programme to feed children and improve their learning.”
 
“There is no good reason for National not to vote for the Education (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill to proceed to first reading. The details of the bill can be worked through at Select Committee.”
 
“What the Government must not do is to let politics prevent us from feeding hungry children and increasing their educational opportunities.”
 
NZEI Te Riu Roa is a member of the Feed The Kids community coalition. For more information see www.feedthekids.org.nz
 
ENDS

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