Information for Ka Ora Ka Ako

Ka Ora, Ka Ako, which is the official name for this programme, is about being healthy and well in order to be in a good place to learn. You might be asking yourself why this is being rolled out to all students in our school. Providing lunch on a universal basis minimises any stigma associated with food insecurity – everyone receives a lunch and there is no need to single out those who need it more than others.

Targeting programmes based on need requires a process to identify those who need it and confirm their eligibility. This can add to cost and complexity and discourage uptake, even by those who are eligible, so that some children who need lunch still miss out. While we know there are hungry children in every community, we do not always know who they are in ours. A universal approach within school means we do not need to know either. The outcomes for all tamariki are to reduce food insecurity amongst New Zealand children by providing access to a nutritious lunch every day. Research indicates that reducing food insecurity:

• improves wellbeing
• supports child development and learning
• improves learners’ levels of concentration, behaviour and school achievement
• reduces financial hardship amongst families
• addresses barriers to children’s participation in education and promotes attendance at school
• boosts learners’ overall health.

We want to see improved engagement, learning and behaviour, fewer children having little or nothing to eat for lunch, and reduced financial hardship amongst the families of our students.

The menus will reflect limitations on diet, such as dairy, lactose or allergy free.

At this stage you might have questions - you can find more answers on the website listed below:

https://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/overall-strategies-and-policies/wellbeing-in-education/free-and-healthy-school-lunches/free-and-healthy-lunches-in-schools-faqs/#numberofschools 

Queen Charlotte College Ka Ora Ka Ako food allergy form

It is important for the school to be knowledgeable about any type of allergies your child may have, in order to keep the provider informed and to ensure that all health and safety practices are followed for these tamariki.

Please fill in the information below to the best of your ability. If you are uncertain about a new or undiagnosed allergy it is best to tell us this too, in order that it can be monitored.

Please respond whether your child has an allergy or not and even if you are not planning on using this programme at this time.

Student Name: _______________________________________________   Form class: __________        

                No, my tamariki does not have any known food allergies

                       Yes, my tamariki has food allergies as stated below

Food allergies: (circle)                         Vegetarian     /     Vegan    /          Full diet     /      other

A typical reaction would be: (circle as many as are applicable)

Please add any information about the allergy that is necessary for us to know:  treatment / risk / frequency – new or long-term allergy …

Signature of Parent/Guardian: ____________________________________________________                  

Thank you for providing this information .