Developing Nutrition Standards for the Nation’s Tamariki

Ka Ora, Ka Ako  - Healthy School Lunches Programme

Developing Nutrition Standards for the Nation’s Tamariki 

About  

We know that well-fed tamariki are better equipped for learning, enhancing memory and concentration. We also know that one in five Kiwi kids between the ages of 2 and 14 live in food-insecure households with poor access to nutritionally rich foods. To address this issue, New Zealand introduced the Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches Programme in 2020, providing nutritious lunches to a million students weekly. ‘Ka Ora’ means to be satisfied with food, healthy and safe; ‘Ka Ako’ means to learn. 

The Ministry of Education and Network’s FoodGroup collaborated to establish specific nutritional standards, offering essential guidance to lunch providers to empower students’ potential through nutrition and education. 

Our approach 

Food discussions can be emotionally charged and polarising. However, Network FoodGroup’s facilitation empowered contributions utilising collaborative tools to maintain engagement and ultimately reframe conversations effectively.  

We supported a specialised group to meticulously examine every aspect, considering micronutrients, macronutrient groups and meal components. Decisions were made based on international programs, Ka Ora, Ka Ako menu analysis and impact modeling, and documented in a rationale published to provide an evidential basis for the draft nutritional standards for Year 1-13 students.  

Alongside the Ministry of Education, we presented the draft standards and rationale to health and education stakeholders, who participated in focused discussions and provided valuable feedback. Throughout we remained focused on ensuring clarity and applicability from purchasing to production to plate, and maintaining a culturally sensitive approach, particularly for Māori, guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  

Results  

The collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Education, Network’s FoodGroup, and health stakeholders has led to the successful development of program specific Nutrition Standards for lunch providers to develop healthy lunch menus.  

Network’s expertise in facilitation offered neutrality, unbiased guidance and management of group dynamics, ensuring effective communication and problem-solving amongst the emotive topic of food.  

These well-designed nutrition standards will benefit the lives of our most vulnerable young learners, promoting not only their physical health but also enhancing their vital learning skills.