Why are kids are still going to school hungry in 2026

2026-01-29

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As children across New Zealand head back to school, many will be arriving without the basics. 58 schools are starting 2026 on the waitlist for KidsCan. The charity provides the essentials for Kiwi kids living in poverty. A survey of waitlisted schools shows more than half provide breakfast for their students, often diverting funds from their operational budget. So why, in 2026, are kids going to school hungry? Today on The Front Page, KidsCan CEO Dame Julie Chapman is with us to offer a glimpse...

As children across New Zealand head back to school, many will be arriving without the basics.

58 schools are starting 2026 on the waitlist for KidsCan.

The charity provides the essentials for Kiwi kids living in poverty.

A survey of waitlisted schools shows more than half provide breakfast for their students, often diverting funds from their operational budget.

So why, in 2026, are kids going to school hungry?

Today on The Front Page, KidsCan CEO Dame Julie Chapman is with us to offer a glimpse into the lives of far too many children in this country who are going without.

Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Chelsea Daniels
Editor/Producer: Richard Martin
Producer: Jane Yee

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