The government’s new “cost-effiecient” lunch scheme has started off terribly as meals across New Zealand arrive late with some principals saying it looks like “dog food”.
Other principals have reported having to go buy food from supermarkets to ensure they can feed hungry students.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour has put the blame on lateness and poor quality on “teething issues” and has hit back at upset principals saying they “need to take a step back”.
“This is a Government with a $7 billion deficit. We spent $130 million on this programme while actually providing more meals for kids this year.
“We are doing something new, it is only day five, day four in some places. So we’ve got to get a bit of a reality check.”
He said the media are taking the worst reviews and comments about the lunches to make it seem “terrible”.
An email was sent to schools around Auckland saying that there was a “technical issue” with the ovens.
“Other Compass kitchens around Auckland are being used to heat meals, however, we anticipate all meals will arrive late to school today.
Auckland Primary Principals’ Association president Kyle Brewerton said kids have been comparing the lunches to “dog food” and refusing to eat it.
“The quality was sort of being touted last year as something that was going to be quite nutritious and delicious, and we haven’t experienced that yet.”
Photo Credit: The Post
