From 2022 Waitaki Girls' will be a part of the Ka Ora Ka Ako, Free Healthy School Lunches Programme.

Regular, nutritious food is vital for children’s physical, mental and educational development. It affects their ability to focus, concentrate and learn. Ka Ora, Ka Ako aims to reduce food insecurity by providing access to a nutritious lunch every day. The name Ka Ora, Ka Ako is about being healthy and well in order to be in a good place to learn.

Research indicates that reducing food insecurity for children and young people:

● improves wellbeing

● supports child development and learning

● improves learners’ levels of concentration, behaviour and school achievement

● reduces financial hardship amongst families and whānau

● addresses barriers to children’s participation in education and promotes attendance at school

● boosts learners’ overall health.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ka Ora, Ka Ako was expanded to cushion the blow of COVID-19 impacts on students living in households which may now be experiencing heightened financial stress, job and income losses that can interfere with learning and wellbeing.

At WGHS, the healthy lunches programme will be catered for on site, providing all students fresh, healthy lunch each day. The programme will begin after Waitangi weekend, so students will need to bring a packed lunch for the first week. The canteen will continue to operate as usual, opening at interval and lunch break each day for students who wish to purchase other food items.