Restore full funding for Ka Ora, Ka Ako healthy school lunches program

Recent funding restructuring has reduced per meal rates for Ka Ora, Ka Ako from up to $8.00-$9.00 down to $3.00-$4.00 per student. These cuts directly compromise meal size, food variety, and nutritional quality. Good nutrition is directly linked to student engagement, classroom behavior, and academic performance. Cutting funding disproportionately impacts low income families facing high costs of living. Restoring per student funding ensures that Ka Ora, Ka Ako delivers on its original goal.