Published on 28th of May, 2025
Healthy kai for tamariki is vital at Aratupu Preschool and Whānau Hub. Aratupu has its own cook, Kirsty Thomas, who provides wholesome kai during term time including a cooked lunch.
Whānau worker, Deb Coughlan, says, “Good food is so important for the health and learning of our tamariki. We provide morning tea with protein, such as yoghurt and fruit, and a hot meal at lunchtime, such as mince pasta, vegetable curry, veggie fritters or mini quiches, and this makes a real difference to their day.”
The level of food insecurity in Aotearoa is growing. According to the 2023/2024 New Zealand Health Survey, in the 12 months prior to the survey, one in four children (27%) lived in households where food ran out either often or sometimes. This percentage is higher than in the 2022/2023 survey, where the figure was (a still alarming) 21%.
The reasons why households might struggle are not hard to find. Whānau face non-negotiable bills, especially rent, where the budget cannot be squeezed in the way it can be on groceries. Add to this the rising cost of food and, for those on low wages or a benefit, it can be a struggle to feed the whānau well.
Aratupu has been able to help whānau with their food security thanks to the generosity of parishes who provide regular food donations. “Healthy food is so appreciated,” says Deb. “We get great breakfast foods such as Weetbix, porridge and tinned fruit, as well as spreads like Marmite, peanut butter and honey. We also really appreciate pasta, rice, tea, coffee and Milo. And parishes sometimes include nappies, shampoos and sanitary products, all of which are gratefully received.”
Gifts of food and other items come regularly from St John Moraia Fijian Methodist Church, Bishopdale Community Trust, Christchurch North Methodist, Durham St Methodist, Rutland Street Church, St Albans Uniting Parish, Upper Riccarton Methodist. All such gifts are welcomed and very much needed.
The school holidays, when hot lunches are not available at Aratupu, can add to food stress as whānau need to send their tamariki along with a packed lunch. Recently, Deb and cook Kirsty, sat down together to work out how to help. They came up with the School Lunchbox Challenge.
The challenge invites whānau to send tamariki along with waste-free lunchboxes – that is, lunches without the packaging that often comes with highly processed food. They also provided ideas for lunches, such as sandwiches, yoghurt, cheese and crackers, fruit (fresh or from a tin). Those who participate in the challenge receive a free lunchbox, personalised to each tamaiti.
The outcome has been that during the school holidays the lunchboxes have been turning up rubbish-free and with healthy foods. Deb says, “The tamariki have been very proud of their lunchbox and kai. And it has been easier for them to eat their kai without tricky packets to open. Awesome outcomes of empowered whānau, ownership and better eating for the tamariki involved, healthier food, no waste and hopefully money saved!”
