1 May 2013
Feed the kids – it’s as simple as that
Feed the kids - it’s a simple idea that will have a positive impact for the most vulnerable children in the Waikato and
nationally. This is the view of Poverty Action Waikato and Anglican Action regarding the popularly called ‘Feed the
Kids’ Bill scheduled to make its way through parliament this year.
“The ‘Feed the Kids’ Bill will ensure that our most vulnerable children get the food that they need - what could be
simpler and more important?” says Anna Cox, Researcher, Poverty Action Waikato.
Poverty Action Waikato and Anglican Action are joining with more than 20 local and national organizations in the
Community Campaign for Food in Schools. One of the campaign goals is to support the Education (Breakfast and Lunch in
Schools) Amendment Bill, commonly referred to as the ‘Feed the Kids’ Bill.
A Poverty Action Waikato report investigating food in schools in the Waikato last year identified that across the decile
1 and 2 schools in the Waikato approximately 25% of children were coming to school with some degree of food need.
“There are many ways to address the need for food in schools. Government backing will ensure the sustainability of any
approach. In our research we heard of many Waikato schools struggling to find people to facilitate their food
programmes. This bill will help ensure that schools have the administrative support that they need for responding to
this issue.” Anna Cox says.
The Education (Breakfast and Lunch in Schools) Amendment Bill is scheduled for its first reading in early June. The bill
proposes providing breakfast and lunch to all decile 1 and 2 schools (80,000 children) in the initial stages then
evaluating and considering the options for the most effective way of delivering an extended programme.
A significant number of reputable organizations including, UNICEF, Save the Children, Child Poverty Action Group, the
Salvation Army, Plunket, Women’s Refuge and Waikato based Poverty Action Waikato and Anglican Action, are campaigning
together to support the Education (Breakfast and Lunch in Schools) Amendment Bill. Karen Morrison-Hume, Missioner from
Anglican Action says:
“Through this bill, we have an opportunity to secure food for children who are growing up in the most deprived
conditions. Feeding children in lower decile schools supports communities who are suffering from unemployment,
unaffordable housing and high food costs. If passed, this bill will improve the security of our most vulnerable
children. The ‘Feed the Kids’ Bill has our full support.”
ENDS