Sunday 9 August 2009
Press Release
Food in schools programme expanding to help Great Barrier kids
More children will have full tummies thanks to a major funding boost by the National-led Government, says Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye.
The Prime Minister announced today on the Big Night In Telethon that the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Social Development are jointly funding $320,000 for KidsCan to deliver free food to an extra 7500 kids this year.
KidsCan currently provides free food each week at school for around 8500 financially disadvantaged children.
Executive Director of KidsCan Julie Helson says the funding from the National-led Government “could not have come at a better time. We will now be able to meet the needs of the thousands of hungry children on our waiting list, ensuring they are in better position to learn in the classroom.”
Nikki Kaye says, “I’m really pleased that several local schools will benefit, including Mulberry Grove School and Okiwi School.
‘We know many parents are struggling to make ends meet, and that kids can’t learn if they’re hungry. It is particularly tough for kids from these two schools that are in a pretty isolated island community where it is harder for their parents to get work.
“This food will really make a difference to the ability of these Great Barrier kids to concentrate and perform well at school.
Kaitoke school has been part of the program and supported by Kidscan for some time.
“The funding boost is an example of the difference we can make for children and their families when communities come together in a spirit of generosity. This initiative will make a real difference to a small community like Great Barrier”
-ENDS-
