Kimihia Primary School In Huntly has become the first school to suspend the government’s new school lunch scheme due to “substandard quality of the meals”.
In a social media post, the principal of Kimihia Primary School Pamela Dunn said the lunches would be suspended from Friday until further notice.
“This decision comes after careful consideration of the substandard quality of meals provided during this term,” Dunn said.
The school will now be asking parents to provide lunches for their children, they have been recommended sandwiches, muffins and other nutritious food items.
They have also been told to avoid “packet food” as it may not provide necessary nourishment.
“I understand the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding,” she said.
In response to the news, the Minister responsible for the school lunches David Seymour said it was a respectable decision.
“It’s never been mandatory to accept the Healthy School Lunch programme, so I respect their choice,” he said.
Labour’s education spokesperson, Willow-Jean Prime, said she had a lot of sympathy for the school
“They’ve had no other choice but to opt out of free lunches for their students because of how awful and potentially harmful they are, had they arrived at all,” Prime said.
This comes after the government faced continuous backlash regarding the lunches, with one of their main providers Libelle Group going into liquidation and having to import lunches from Australia.
Photo Credit: RNZ
