David Seymour Invites Food Industry to Join Revamped Healthy School Lunches Programme

Starting from Term 1, 2025, the improved programme will focus on smarter delivery methods and economies of scale, aspects that were previously overlooked.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has announced a call for food manufacturers, producers, wholesalers, and distributors to register their interest in the revamped Healthy School Lunches programme. This initiative, which serves over 240,000 children, represents a significant opportunity for businesses in the food sector to participate in one of the largest food programmes in the country.

"The Healthy School Lunches programme is being redesigned to provide healthier lunches to students who need the most support, while also reducing costs and minimizing food waste," said Mr. Seymour. "We are now inviting enterprises with established food infrastructure to register their interest and compete for a role in this more efficient programme."

Starting from Term 1, 2025, the improved programme will focus on smarter delivery methods and economies of scale, aspects that were previously overlooked. Registration will be available on the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) website from Monday, August 12, 2024.

Mr. Seymour emphasized that the new approach is a significant improvement over past practices. "Working with experts in food production and distribution to optimize procurement and logistics is crucial. The previous government's approach lacked these efficiencies, and we are determined to offer high-quality meals at a lower cost."

The Ministry of Education, alongside an expert advisory group consisting of professionals from commercial and not-for-profit sectors, has been diligently working to realize this vision. The revised programme aims to deliver nutritious and appealing meals to children while addressing the current challenges of living costs and food insecurity affecting the most vulnerable.

"This project not only presents a commercial opportunity but also supports New Zealand's most at-risk children," Mr. Seymour added. "I'm excited about the potential impact and the involvement of the food industry in making a real difference."