The Government is being warned that its attempts to streamline the costs of government-funded school lunches could backfire.  

An MBIE briefing has revealed the lunches could end this year unless the Government finds $330 million. 

Prime Minister Chris Luxon says his government will fund them beyond the end of the year, but he wants to optimise the programme.   

Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair Boyd Swinburn told Mike Hosking that a programme which only gives lunches to poorer kids has downsides.  

He says having certain children line up for the lunches creates stigma for them, which can create so many issues that schools may decide not to bother. 

LISTEN ABOVE

The Government is being warned that its attempts to streamline the costs of government-funded school lunches could backfire.  
An MBIE briefing has revealed the lunches could end this year unless the Government finds $330 million. 
Prime Minister Chris Luxon says his government will fund them beyond the end of the year, but he wants to optimise the programme.   
Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair Boyd Swinburn told Mike Hosking that a programme which only gives lunches to poorer kids has downsides.  
He says having certain children line up for the lunches creates stigma for them, which can create so many issues that schools may decide not to bother. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.