"Stephen was so enthusiastic. He was like, 'so when can we start?'," said Ms Leslie, who has provided nutritious breakfasts and lunches to schools in Wairarapa, Porirua and South Auckland via Kids Kai Time.
"He often sees the kids walking past on their way home to [the east side of Masterton] and hanging out outside the church.
"The church isn't on that route, which makes you wonder what's going on at home if they are taking the long way and not going straight there."
Ms Leslie said the programme would not only provide meals to children from low-income families but help educate children on healthy food choices.
She plans to teach the children how to make "good winter soul food", such as stews, spaghetti bolognaise, macaroni and cheese, and homemade pizzas with fresh toppings.
"The reality is a lot of kids aren't getting this type of food at home," said Ms Leslie, who is approaching businesses for extra funds for ingredients.
"Parents sometimes get trapped into getting fish and chips because it's supposedly cheaper. But takeaways aren't that cheap when it all adds up."
Once they have prepared their meals, children can either eat at the church or take their meals home, plus the recipe and some extra ingredients.
The course is free for children but parents can also participate for a donation.
Ms Leslie said she looked forward to working alongside the St Matthew's parishioners and the volunteers from Rathkeale.
Rathkeale students also recently donated their old soccer and rugby boots, shirts and shorts to Kids Kai Time, which the charity has passed to Rippa Rugby coach Nathan Couch.
"It's great to see kids from the high decile schools helping out the lower deciles," said Ms Leslie.
Kids Cooking Kai will be launched at St Matthew's Church on June 18. Contact Michelle Leslie on 027 456 7747 or visit www.kidskaitime.co.nz
