A Ministry of Education survey has found strong support among early childhood education (ECE) centres for KidsCan’s role in delivering taxpayer-funded meals to children most in need.
The ECE Food Programme Kōhanga Reo Survey Report, welcomed by Associate Education Minister David Seymour, shows high satisfaction across key service measures among centres receiving the meals.
Of the 130 centres that participated in the survey, ratings for KidsCan included 97.5 per cent for reliability and consistency, 98.5 per cent for food safety and hygiene, 98 per cent for communication, and 99 per cent for flexibility and adaptability.
The report also highlighted perceived benefits for child development. In physical development, centres reported improvements in children’s energy levels, sleep patterns, digestion, attendance and healthy weight.
Cognitive and learning benefits included better concentration, participation, memory and problem-solving, while emotional and behavioural improvements were seen in children being calmer, more resilient and better able to self-regulate.
Socially, centres observed improved interactions, increased confidence, greater willingness to try new foods and a stronger sense of belonging at mealtimes.
Seymour said KidsCan has supported children’s learning since 2005 and expanded its early childhood programme significantly in recent years, now reaching up to 16,000 children with additional government funding. He said savings from changes to the school lunch programme would allow meals to be extended to a further 10,000 ECE children, with the Healthy School Lunch programme expected to deliver taxpayer savings of $145 million in 2026.
Has to be seen as positive