Right now the coalition Government is busy preparing its Budget for the coming year, a time when those in power can choose to make responsible and wise decisions so children today get what they need to thrive as adults.
Sadly, one of the initiatives that does just that -- the free lunches in schools programmes in our poorest areas -- is facing cuts and we need your help to save it.
CPAG has been researching and advocating for lunches in schools since 2005. Right now, one in five Kiwi children is regularly missing meals because their household doesn't have enough food.
Latest statistics show child poverty is on the rise. The cost of living crisis is hurting our poorest hardest.
CPAG is joining with Health Coalition Aotearoa, community groups, schools and supporters like you to implore the Government not to make wholesale cuts to the Ka Ora Ka Ako programme.
There is huge public support to save Ka Ora Ka Ako, and here's how you can help:
Join the thousands of people who have added their voices to the petition (24,000 signatures and counting). Once you've signed, please share it among your networks.
You can tell the Prime Minister and Education Minister, since they will have to sign off any cuts, that giving kids lunch in our poorest areas is the right and compassionate thing to do. To make it easy we have created a template of wording and you can Click here to email them, or send to: christopher.luxon@parliament.govt.nz and erica.standford@parliament.govt.nz.
Louise Upston is the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction and Karen Chhour is the Minister for Children.
You could also write to your local MP or opposition MP in your area and tell them your concerns. A full list of contact details for Members of Parliament can be accessed here.
Follow @child_poverty_action_group_nz on Instagram and Facebook.
Use the hashtags #kidsneedkai and #saveourschoollunches for any posts you create or share.
Please add your voice to help save this important initiative in improving the lives of those living in greatest hardship.
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