The Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch programme introduced in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2020 is having a ripple out effect to improve students’ and families’ lives as well as improving school environments.

This research with principals, students and whānau in Hawke’s Bay describes some of those impacts such as large pro-equity benefits with all students in schools eating the same lunches together. Students spoke of their increased appreciation of new healthier foods and whānau members said the students were bringing these broader taste preferences home, asking for previously unknown foods like chickpeas. One third of whānau members struggled to find enough money to buy food. Not having to buy lunch foods for their children had a large positive impact on household finances and the lunches were seen to be mana-enhancing.

However, as with any new programme, some aspects of it were considered to require further attention like involving students and school communities in the choice of lunch provider and increasing the attractiveness of the menus to limit food waste. The potential for maximum benefits appeared greater in the schools using on-site cooks (internal model).

This is the first independent study to relate whānau and student voice on the largest nutritional intervention in Aotearoa since the introduction of milk in schools.