Research from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehureoa Massey University has found public debate about the Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches Programme has increasingly focused on cost while losing sight of children’s wellbeing and equity.
The study, led by Massey University Professor Lisa Te Morenga and PhD student Hinako Percival, analysed 324 New Zealand news articles published between November 2023 and October 2024 during a period of intense debate about the future of the school lunch programme.
The researchers found media coverage reflected competing views about the programme, with some focusing on child wellbeing and health equity, while others centred on costs, government spending and individual responsibility.
Professor Te Morenga said the way issues are discussed publicly can influence how people understand social policy and shape political decisions around child poverty, education and health.
The research identified three main narratives in media coverage: support for social justice and child wellbeing, arguments focused on market-based approaches and personal responsibility, and reporting that mainly presented factual information.
The study comes as the Ministry of Education considers future options for school lunch delivery, including approaches that could provide support to children experiencing food insecurity who are not currently covered by the programme.
Professor Te Morenga said moving towards a more targeted system could create unintended consequences by making children prove they need help.
“There is a significant stigma attached to poverty,” she said.
“International evidence shows programmes targeted only at poor children generally have lower uptake because families don’t want to be singled out.”
She said one of the strengths of the current model was that students within participating schools received lunches together, without individual children being identified.
“Every child sharing the same experience” helped create kinder and happier school environments, she said.
The researchers argue school lunches provide benefits beyond addressing hunger, including supporting student wellbeing and reducing the stigma associated with poverty.
Professor Te Morenga said schools with higher levels of deprivation often had fewer resources and opportunities, making broad support important.
She said any future model should ensure children receive support with dignity and without being singled out.
The research also examined concerns about funding levels for the programme.
Professor Te Morenga said reducing costs too far could undermine the quality of meals provided.
“If we want school lunches to improve wellbeing and reduce food insecurity, the meals need to be nutritious, appealing and sufficient,” she said.
The researchers said their preferred long-term approach would be a universal school lunch programme available to all learners, similar to models used overseas.
In the short term, Professor Te Morenga said increasing funding for eligible schools would help improve the quality of meals and support more children.
She also called for greater involvement from local food providers to strengthen local food systems and create employment opportunities.
The research was published in Kōtuitui: New Zealand Journal of Social Sciences Online.
