‘Keep it hot’: Students take on Seymour’s proposed lunch cuts
Sunday, 13 October 2024
Six teenagers from Waitākere College have dedicated a month of their time campaigning against David Seymour’s proposed free school lunch cuts. They are worried the cuts will lead to increased food insecurity and poverty for kids across the country.
Co-leaders of the campaign, Hlaina Goffin and Maia McQuoid say their goal is to increase awareness about the cuts and how it could impact students in need.
The government looks to slash funding for Ka Ora, Ka Ako, the Healthy School Lunches programme by $107 million, decreasing the cost of an average meal from $8 to around $3. This year the programme has been providing lunches to over 236,000 kids in 1013 kura and schools nationwide.
Using ‘keep it hot’ picket signs and white board drawings, the students took to social media to spread their campaign.
Goffin says David Seymour noticed the campaign's Instagram account, and reposted, followed and commented.
“He commented on this post that they think we’re gonna be happy with the new terms of the school lunches that are being provided.”
When asked if David Seymour is right, Goffin says “probably not.”
Seymour told Stuff the new programme aims to value taxpayer money “as much as possible” while delivering lunches.
“I’d encourage the students to reserve their judgement until they know what the programme looks like.”
Goffin says food insecurity and poverty in New Zealand is a “major issue, especially for children.”
In 2023, StatsNZ found 39% of people reported they only had just enough, or not enough, money to meet every day needs. In households composed of one parent and children, the rate increases to 59%.
McQuoid fears the quality of the free lunches will drop alongside the budget.
“With the cuts we could expect [meals] to either not be hot, [have] smaller portion sizes or be less nutritious. Which yes, it’s still good they’re getting a free meal but those are three key factors that are really helping our community and our school.”
All aged 15 to 16-years-old, the high-school students interviewed their principal to see how free lunches help students at their school. Goffin says they bring good student “engagement.”
“There’s been more attendance as well because students are coming to school for food because it’s sometimes the only meal they get throughout the day.”
Teacher at Waitākere College, Brandee Thorburn, says the students get five to ten NCEA credits for their extra work on the campaign as part of Social Studies.
“I was just really really blown away by their ability to fight not just for themselves, but for their wider community. That’s why we get into teaching for moments like these so I am beyond proud of them.”
McQuoid says she’s “pretty proud” of what the campaign accomplished.
“I find [it] kind of crazy, as we only started this a month ago.”
Klaus Sullivan, another member of the teens campaign says he’s “so happy to be here with all these lovely people fighting for something that we really need for our school.”
15-year-old Gabrielle Manuhuia pushed past her anxiety to get involved in the campaign.
“ I’m quite shy and introverted and it’s a big responsibility like holding this all but for me I really like learning about the subject and having a bigger impact on the community and not just myself and my family. Like it’s way bigger than us.”