KidsCan to deliver healthy lunches for preschoolers

KidsCan Charitable Trust will deliver a new healthy lunches programme for early childhood education (ECE) providers.

The $4 million scheme, funded through cost savings made in the Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunches programme, is expected to benefit 10,000 2 to 5-year-olds from February 2025.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour said KidsCan was already a trusted food provider, and the additional funding would boost its reach from 6000 to 16,000 early learners.

"KidsCan are experienced at effectively helping Kiwi children affected by poverty," he said.

"They are the only large-scale, national, not-for-profit and non-governmental provider of food to ECE services. They already have the systems and relationships in place to supply food to ECE centres who need it, in a way that is cost-effective."

Seymour said the new ECE school lunches programme was only possible because of the government's financial prudence.

"The first 1000 days are key to a child's development. I am proud this government can innovate to provide help for even more children who need it."

Eligibility requirements for ECE services will be based on a number of factors, including information from the new Early Childhood Education Equity Index.

Seymour said KidsCan would contact eligible services over the next few months so the programme could begin early next year.

KidsCan's chief executive Julie Chapman said the charity was stoked to get the extra funding to expand its existing programme.

"We're so thrilled to provide our food support to thousands more two to five year olds, because we know the huge difference it makes,

"Teachers at the centres we support say children are happier, healthier, and more engaged in learning and playing."

The charity has fed preschoolers meals like macaroni cheese with hidden vegetables, shepherd's pie and spaghetti bolognese since 2019, she said.

Chapman added it was unfortunate dozens of centres on KidsCan's waitlist would not qualify for support under the government's criteria.

"This is fantastic news for the early childhood centres who meet the criteria for this programme," she said.

"The fact that we will still have a waiting list highlights just how tough times are - we are facing record demand as more and more families just can't make ends meet.

"The continued generosity of our amazing donors and business partners is crucial - we're committed to ensuring that every child receives the support they deserve."

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