The head of a Rotorua intermediate school says more often than not school lunches are delivered looking unappetising.
A report from the Auditor-General found only half of the meals complied with nutritional standards, and criticises the scheme's rollout.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says some of the meals with fewer vegetables were more popular with students, and the Government saved $130 million last year.
Kaitao Intermediate principal Phil Palfrey told Ryan Bridge he knows the students who aren't eating the meals are hungry.
He says some have resorted to buying food from the local shop on their way to school – a very unhealthy way to start the day.
Palfrey says sometimes there are meals that are okay, but some are horrible.
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