Government funds food for additional 10,000 children in ECE

We’re encouraged to see policy emphasising the critical role of nutrition in early childhood development.

The government announcement of additional funding for 10,000 children in early childhood education is a positive step, with research led by Koi Tū director Sir Peter Gluckman and Dr Felicia Low highlighting the importance of nutrition for early brain development.

In 2019, KidsCan launched a national early childhood programme which provides healthy lunches to over 6,000 early learners with the highest needs. From 2025 this number will increase to 16,000, with $4 million in additional government funding.
It’s heartening to see our evidence having an impact and informing policy that will help more young New Zealanders thrive.

Read the full media release