KEY POINTS:
Up to 15,000 primary pupils started the new school year on empty stomachs, says a charity that gives food to hungry children. National Party leader John Key announced plans at the weekend for a Food for Schools programme.
What is the solution?
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Here is the latest selection of your views:
Marguerite
My guess is many children are just as hungry for real parental love. I have been into a home where the four children, under 10, have TVs and playstations in their rooms but no books, no money for basic cleaning, coke in baby bottle etc. These parents need to be taught basic ideas on balanced meals (I have seen the children being given toast and marmite for tea). Time is not prioritised. The children do not know how to play games or sit quietly to read. Part of their problem is both parents smoke so there is much money going up in smoke, literally! Those who have a will, find a way. The others?
Rachel
Parents are generally more likely to go without food themselves than see their kids go hungry - unless something is very wrong. Clearly in this country something is, as the problem of hungry kids is far bigger than most people suspected. We only have to look at how our lowest wages and benefits have been cut over the past twenty years and never recovered. Poverty rates have correspondingly risen. Nobody disputes that this has happened. So it is that in today's wealthy NZ, neither minimum wage workers nor beneficiaries receive enough money to be able to afford to raise children without extra help. Yet still we hear a chorus of blame heaped on parents who struggle to deal with this outrageous situation. At least everyone agrees its the children that matter. When will we face the fact that adequate and secure family incomes are the most important way to ensure childrens well being and future prospects, and when will we do something about it? Its a big ask but its imperative not impossible. If we are not willing to make sure people have enough money to feed their families, we can at the very least make sure their kids dont go hungry.
Karenza Mcleod
Are our kids really going hungry? I come into contact with all socio- economic backgrounds and find that most of our kids are fed/ or offered food before going to school. Food is available for them to eat but the kids themselves choose not to eat. My own daughter will tell you that she had breakfast cooked but she chose not to eat it, because she couldn't be bothered. It never done her any harm. She is a nurse today. They will not eat breakfast now that they know they will get fed at school. Most of our parents out there are responsible in feeding their kids. So come you kids tell the truth. You start telling lies now it will go on for the rest of your life. Its a way kids will learn to get what they want when they become adults.
Moira
It is the parents responsibility to feed the kids. Kids should come first, before parents have their ciggies/drink/TAB etc etc. For those on benefit there should be some sort of system where the benefit goes where it is needed instead of on luxuries or cigs/drink/TAB, perhaps vouchers etc which can only be spent on specific items/products and not on cigs/drink/tobacco. And if kids are gong hungry why are there so many obese kids? If kids throw their healthy lunches away in favour of eating junk food, then they must have extra money so that they can buy the junk food - so these are obviously kids who cannot say their families cannot afford breakfast (the junk food money could be used for cereal/bread/marmite etc etc). We are told breakfast is the most important meal of the day and if the kids are late getting out of bed or too lazy to have breakfast... who is the adult???? Yep its the parents who should ensure that the kids are out of bed in time to have breakfast before going to school! No Excuses!
Rosemary
We are talking a lot about the need to interfere when parents on low incomes do not feed their children properly. If we do that, we also need to interfere in the case of "middle class malnutrition" (dangerous low-fat diets).That way, no one should be offended as no particular class is being especially targeted.
Chris H
This same subject keeps coming up every 5 or 6 years and no government really knows what to do about it. And it is a grey area to be honest! When I was a kid I was also very poor, but my parents managed to give me breakfast every morning and a very small lunch. (if it didnt get taken off me by 11am). This political throwing muck at each other and I care for the nation speeches have been done before too! Policies are made & policies keep people in jobs. Politicians know this and will keep making policies to keep their jobs! Policies lead to nowhere after 6 months! New Zealand has changed into a policy nation of nothing! Kiwis have lost their identity and their soul of working together for each other! We are all confused but will never say so! The modern day politician doesnt know the different between a post box and its own behind!! Hence I won't be asking them to post a letter for me any time soon!I wont vote ever again either! Why vote when politicians and mayors never represent what you really need!? Back to the food subject. Theres plenty of money from parents for food. It can be done! Unfortunately, white bread for kids on a TV3 advert during the news?? Bring on McDonalds - White bread and water makes glue!! Yummy.... thats got to grow our nation!!
Brownie
This is not a government or tax payers problem,it is a parent problem.
Tanya
Why not do something to teach and help those parents? If they do not know how to mange the money, then WINZ should give them food coupons instead of giving money. May be takeaways and dairy shops near those schools should be breakfast providers paid by WINZ directly. Those parents can get full payment until they take the responsibility of parenting.
David
Responsible parents feed their children regardless of their socio economic situation. In a perfect world central government or its various agencies should not have to provide one of lifes basic needs to a percentage of our school population. Unfortunately that isnt nor ever has been perfect. If there are parents in society who do not have the ability nor the desire to provide for their children than all that creates is generation after generation of irresponsible parents. Surely a hand up is better than a hand out. Lets give those kids a hand up so they do not repeat the mistakes of their parents.
Anna
I am all for helping the people that need help the most, I am all for trying to feed the kids and all that, but I dont think any politician or anyone for that fact should use the plight of the disadvantaged for their own political or personal agenda, it's funny John Key has all of a sudden appeared with this big idea to feed kids when this sort of thing has been around for years, I would hate to think that this is a flash in the pan idea of Mr Keys to try and boost his political career. But I believe it all needs to start with bridging the gap between the upper class and the rest of NZ, we are becoming are nation that is intent on feeding the pockets of the rich and starving the rest of the nation, not fair especially to those who are truely trying to make ends meet and are trying their best to give their children the best start in the world. Let us if Mr Key is serious back this and feed the kids and provide them with the first step to a brighter and better future.
Tim
Do not make excuses!
Miche
You know, I wouldnt mind forking out extra tax to pay for students to have lunch or breakfast at school. And I'm saying that as a mother who packs her kids a nice healthy lunch every morning. I would rather these children get fed and learn all they can at school, then make something of themselves. If they aren't tired and hungry they could be eager to learn, go to university or become what they wish. Then hopefully they don't grow up to be useless losers like their parents. Or maybe we could work on changing the parents, which is going to take a long time (probably a neverending exericse) and let the kids go hungry while they wait.... How about healthy cooked lunches for all children? Susbsidised by the government, with small payments from parents if they want it, or benefit cards for kids whose parents are on welfare. Similar to the system in the UK. Our school roles are certainly high enough now to support this. Dinner nannies in the UK certainly know how to install a sense of discipline in unruly children!
Annie
I agree with many of the comments regarding children going to school without breakfast. Too much pressure is being put on schools to come up with solutions to these problems which should be dealt with at home. Steve Maharey said that families on low incomes "don't need this kind of patronising attitude that comes from people like John Key who never go near them except for publicity stunts". How ridiculous. Its not patronising at all - there is no room to be patronised when it comes to the welfare of our children. It may feel shameful or embarrassing to some parents to have to ask for help to feed their kids - but keeping their children fed, clothed and housed should be their top priority. I have no doubt that this problem will continue indefinitely until parents step up and take responsibility for their children.
Tony
It is interesting and perhaps correct, that many readers say it is up to parents to teach and feed the children. However the sad fact is many parents, from both poor and middle classes, do not understand the importance of food and its relationship to other tasks, such as work rate or intellect intake.
Rosemary
We are hearing a lot about how parents on low incomes are letting their children go hungry. These are not the only culprits. There are also some trendy, middle-class parents who (with the best of intentions about preventing obesity) put their children on dangerously low-fat diets. A 1996 study published in the Journal of Nutrition said that low-fat diets for children could lead to suboptimal growth and development. That is, they may stunt children's growth due to malnutrition. (The authors had documented 300 cases where this had occurred due to parents following nutritional guidelines too enthusiastically). Numerous studies have shown that low-fat diets lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, because you don't absorb vitamins properly when fat intake is inadequate. Since it is now recognised that the fat soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K) play important roles as antioxidants, it is not a good idea to restrict children's consumption of fat. Facts like these are something that trendy dietitians do not like to publicise.
Scott Joseph, MD
Interesting views I have read...however, the main point is that the kids are hungry. They wont study well, therefore. Some parents are worthless, this is true. However, if a child is hungry, you feed them. End of story. How we set up the feeding is a matter for debate, but only a moron lets a kid go hungry.
Andrew Montgomery
Feed them at school if they havent had breakfast and politely advise the parents that it is their job. Hopefully the message will eventually get through. The current problem, however, is that the vast majority of children are overfed and are becoming obese at an alarming rate. This is far more dangerous than underfeeding them. Draconian legislation of the food industry is required Alternatively for all those who believe in the myths of personal responsibility and free will - make all addictive drugs freely available - and let the parents decide what to give their children, lower the driving age to 3 and get rid of all legislation and government.
J
Those parents with starving children are the problem. You must educate your children to have a daily routine that consists of all essentials. You cannot blame your child just because he or she refused to eat just before heading off to school. How about being more responsible and pack extra morning tea and a fill in healthy lunch? Families that rely on the benefit its supposed to be enough for a family of 3, 4 or whatever number of people in the household. Don't think about yourself. Put your childrens health first, buy them healthy food, educate them to appreciate what they have. So do the parents, work harder and set an example. "No money" is not an excuse anymore for goodness sake. The next generation must prosper and be provided with better lifestyles than the previous- dont go backwards and let your children suffer.
Julz
Hmmmmmm blame the world huh? Maybe if we start blaming the world for everything then problems solved. Regardless of whose fault it is for not feeding the children etc, we shouldnt punish the children for those who parents would rather spend money on alcohol, ciggies or gambling whatever it is they spend it on. There are parents out there who are trying very hard to make sure that their children dont suffer but then they the parents end up suffering along with the child. There are genuine families out there that do need all the help they can get and I believe yes help them. Allow them more assistance; allow solo parents who work full time more then the little amount the government will allow them, provide better schooling, free daycare etc. But if that is too much then start with feeding the children and punishing the child for the parents sin, give them that better start that either their parents cant be bother providing or for those who struggle to make ends meet, there are many families around NZ that would benefit from this scheme, instead of whingeing about this and that help the kids that is all that matters, give the younger generation something to look forward too.
Rob P
Stopping the welfare payment wont feed the kids, and wont turn bad parents into good parents. And how would it work? I the kids tell their teachers that they dont have breakfast, and the teachers get the welfare stopped, then the kids will hide their hunger so their parents wont beat them up when the welfare stops. But the really important thing to realise is while feeding kids at school doesnt solve the bad parenting. It does start to break the cycle by giving kids some of what they need to get on at school. The bad parents will still be bad parents, but the kids will have a bit more hope.
Elsa Forti-Barsi
It seems that most people lay the blame squarely on the parents. I do too. I have been a teacher for 20 years and this phenomenon of students arriving EARLY at school not having had breakfast, has always been a fact of life. It is interesting to note who these kids are as they arrive the same each and every day - mostly with hair unkempt, dirty uniforms, unwashed faces ... and empty stomachs. Yet if and when you see Mum (more so than Dad) you can not help but wonder how on earth she is so overweight, incredibly so in many cases. When contacted by the school, the excuses are never-ending and meant to be heart-rending, but nevertheless the fact remains that these kids are sent off early in the morning, with probably not even a goodbye much less breakfast or a lunchbox. I have serious doubts are real poverty in NZ, but more a management of money being the issue, with the children coming off least in the scheme of things. It is amazing how many cannot afford to pay for trips or anything else connected with school, but somehow can turn up with an expensive pair of trainers or cellphone. They can afford their childs expenses if they choose to put their kids first in their lives. I am afraid that having seen all this for years I still get angry at the thought of Mr and Mrs Public being taken for yet another ride. This appears to be the longest lesson to learn.
Jan
It breaks my heart to read about children either going hungry to school or not even having lunches with them. I have no "one" answer to this but I have thought long and hard about it and the possible causes and here are some of the things that came to mind: Society seems to have unravelled to a certain degree over the years and we have lost our good old family values. We now have a welfare state where a lot of beneficiaries have trouble managing on their income and food does not seem to be a priority, it's easy to get pregnant but hard to manage the budget especially when there are electronic gadgets to buy on 24 months interest/payment deferred. There's a lot of angry Maori people out there, angry at the white man for ripping them off with the land deals etc over a hundred years ago. Yes, there were wrongs committed but its no use hanging on to the anger blaming for ever and a day and expecting the government of today to try and pay for those wrongdoings, when is enough enough. We all have to live together now and constant compensation payouts is not going to put breakfast on the table for every New Zealand child. We all lose in a way because it is our taxes that pay for it, instead of that money being channelled into helping every NZer get ahead. Where is the respect in our society toward each other, young and old? It has gone. So families are ripped apart with petty arguments because the young wont listen to the old folks wisdom and instead of the grandparents being around to help and advise the young folk on child rearing we have "children raising children". The only time we seem to hear from the extended family in society is when there is a tragedy such as the Kahui babies deaths. Then the grandparents, aunties, uncles etc are suddenly appearing on TV interviews. Much of the commercial world is now 7 days a week (sometimes 24 hours a day) such as supermarkets, and people have to work in these stores. So the good old weekend, that was a family time, is no longer available for everyone. The kids still have a Monday to Friday school week, we should have a society that accommodates this for working families. The commercial greed that has taken place has not helped families. I could go on listing the changes that have occurred, I havent even touched on drug and alcohol abuse but I think that people would not lean towards these substances if society hadn't crumbled to the degree it has. And, for goodness sakes, where's the love?
Oioi
Blame the Government, the opposition, the climate, the moon and the stars, Iraq, Iran, The US, global warming, the BBC, the Teleban, Southpark, the CIA, the Pope, the media, the neighbours, nuclear power, the greenies, alien abductors, bird flu, Saddam Hussan, polar ice flows, killer whales, G8, the police, the KKK, the Dali Lama, rock music, hip hop,country music, TV but dont blame the parents..just because they dont give them breakfast. They have a lot to do and think about..things that are far more important than the welfare of their kids. TABs and drinking holes.
Tim Spooner
For goodness sake, there is only one party responsible for feeding kids before they go to school. It is not me, Key, Clark, the school, the dairy. It's the parents! Stop looking everywhere else for somebody to blame.
HB
Yes, lets condone parents who spend their wages or benefit on alcohol drugs and tobacco instead of bread, milk, cereal or fruit for their kids. Lets all send the message to these lazy ingrates that its okay. We will pick up the mess you create and keep bailing you out, and of course you dont have to take any responsibility for your actions, your life or that of your childrens. You know when I was a solo mum working full-time I was told I wasnt entitled to any assistance for childcare or food because "I chose to work full-time". I struggled every week but my daughter never went without breakfast, lunch or dinner. Its child abuse and it should be dealt with, not rewarded. Stop being politically correct, The whole country is turning soft, Its pathetic.
Anne
Many children are going to school hungry. Its a growing trend and if these children come from homes where parents put their own needs first, then its time to stop the cash handouts and go onto a voucher system where only food can be bought with them. .I agree many kids do not want what is put in front of them because they want rubbish food,will throw a good lunch away etc. If kids are too tired to get out of bed to get breakfast before school, then that is the parents fault for allowing TV, computing time, DVDs etc the night before. Hungry kids are tired kids;a vicious circle. No parent is going to admit to anyone that it is their fault for not providing the discipline needed. It is easier to blame a low income, benefit etc. than face the fact that they are poor parents!
Delwyn
NZ should go the way of America and have dedicated swipe cards for food so that the money given by the government goes on food not cigarettes or booze. Ie x amount of dollars is loaded onto a supermarket card x amount onto a butchers card etc. Good food should be subsidized its ridiculous that a bottle of coke is cheaper than a bottle of milk and non sugary cereal is $6-7 a packet etc.
Martyn Boyle
In Western Australia many primary schools run breakfast clubs for pupils who arrive at school without the benefit of a morning meal. The breakfast clubs are supported by local suppliers and run with the help of volunteer parents and staff.A gold coin donation is expected from the pupils in return for the breakfast, but that is waived if the student does not have a gold coin. Claimed benefits for the scheme are many including a reduction in absenteeism, a noticeable improvement in the ability of students to concentrate, an improvement in the behaviour of previously disruptive students and an improvement in social skills brought about by the interaction that takes place at the breakfast club. The students take turns in helping to serve the meals and tidying up afterwards.I find the claim by the Education Minister that parents would be insulted by such an initiative at their child's school quite bizarre. I believe the opposite would be the case. The reality is that there are many children are turning up to school hungry.
Raj Subramanian
Responsibility shifting is well known in welfare-centric economy. In market-competitive economy responsibility is properly identified and fixed before. In most of the underdeveloped economies, most of the services are coming free and State pays for that. Therefore, normally their tax rates will be high and actual delivery of those welfare services are something in paper, something else(say only 5 to 10 per cent promises kept)in practice. .Remember we cried and tried to help about malnutrition in African Countries not long ago. In delivery of Health Care, Education, Infrastructure, Superannuation, Child Welfare , developed countries are said to be ahead,practical and long-term oriented. Now, there is big debate in U.S., Australia and our Country about even these services, because we found State cannot efficiently deliver those services as they are lenient about responsibility shifting. Seen in that context, an additional area of Children Lunch in School is out of context for the State. Is our aim to fix parental irresponsibilities or feed lunches to needy children? I think serving lunch is immediate task followed up by fixing responsibilites. There is always organizations (commercial or philanthroists) who want to help community. Mr. John Key identified one of those organisations and as a trial asked them to help children of a particular school for a start. This is the trend world over, companies / corporates /people like Mr.Bill Gates earmarks certain percentage of their earning to charities. The advantage of their donations is, they are in close contact with the beneficiaries and make sure the objectives of the charity is fulfilled. When Govt. funds these, only top level rules and regulations are created and Govt. doesnt care about grassroot delivery. Companies are more accountable to their shareholders/stakeholders (the new thinking is: community is a stakeholder in Companies). I welcome Mr. John Key's initiative. On the responsibility part why can't we say "lunch provided by xy company" in the school certificates or any certificate issued by the Schools -That would be a shame to the parents when pointed out by the child in the later years.
Jesse
Wow so many thoughts and opinions being voiced and that is great that we can sit back and be as I like to call it backseat drivers, I am not saying that what is being said is wrong, but I truly believe that as much as it is the responsibility of the parents any help given is helped greatly appreciated, growing up in a low income family was hard, my parents did everything they could to clothe and feed myself and my siblings, there were times my parents even went without food if it meant that we could eat, there were times that we all didnt eat, because my parents had to pay the mortgage, the bills and also support my elderly grandparent, I know that if this was around when I was growing up my parents would've been grateful for all the help. I am guess what I am saying is yeah parents should take some responsibility but don't punish the ones that are truly trying to make ends meet and have to struggle to feed their kids but help them, why should we punish the children for the parents mistakes. Maybe this is a way we can teach the younger generation better eating habits, and maybe who knows we can even teach them a few life lessons along the way.
Cris
When are the "lazy, bludging" New Zealanders going to take some responsibility for themselves and their families. We, the hard working taxpayers are sick of paying high taxes, and working our butts off, supporting those who will not help themselves. It is time we stopped the hand outs. Get the parents/families in these areas to contribute and turn up at the schools in the mornings and provide food. Stop molly coddling them.
Jess
I have taken one of my children to school without breakfast many a time, because she has refused to get out of bed in the morning, or has taken so long getting dressed etc that we have to literally run out the door. Sometimes there is something like a banana that can be grabbed and eaten on the way, and sometimes there's not. However, there is always cereal for those who get up and dressed in time to eat it. Am I neglectful? According to most people's standards I am not poverty stricken. As for those who dont take lunch to school...what about the children whose parents make them lunch, yet they leave it at home, either through forgetfulness or because they dont like the choice of food (possibly they would rather plead hunger and get chips or roll-ups off their friends than eat their own apple, crackers and peanut butter sandwiches?). I know that another of my children has, more than once, hidden his healthy lunch in order to scab unhealthy sugar, salt and fat laden treats from other peoples lunchboxes. Why make the assumption that parents can not, or will not, provide food when there are numerous potential contributing factors behind these statistics.
Thomas
We should not be distracted by politicians arguing over the exact number of kids who are going to school hungry. The fundamental issue is whether there are any children who go to school hungry because their parents cannot afford to feed them. Is anyone really starving in NZ? It is more likely that parents are making discretionary decisions about where to spend their time and money and feeding their children is not a high priority. That is the disgrace and that is what our politicians should be focusing on. I'm sure a lot of those "starving" children have cell phones and are no strangers to McDonalds food.
Jason
This is all part of what I call NZs "Kahui Twin" syndrome.
Young, irresponsible and poorly educated youth having their own children with no real commitment to these children whatsoever. These kids are passed around their extended family like hot potatoes.
Meanwhile the rest of us have to deal with their aggression, their crime, their excuses and their welfare dependence. This will always plaque NZ until more role models are found with-in these communities.
Andrew Atkin
I think for some parents, the only way you can ensure that their kids will be well feed is to remove responsibility for the task from the parent to the state. This is because some parents priortise their own needs (wants) ahead of their kids to the point of vulgarity. Maybe the real solution is to introduce reproduction licenses? I think parents should have to pass a warrant of fitness before they can have children in this country - after all, we all have to live with their children and deal with and be responsible for what they turn into. If parents who cannot pass their "warrant" illegally have a child anyway, then we could demand that they use compulsory contraception (administered by a government official) to avoid anymore "accidents". I dont believe we have the right to tell people whether or not they can have children; but we do have the right, ultimately, to say whether or not they can have children in our country. The thing is there are just so many people who should never have kids (in principle) because they are themselves far to damaged by their own childhood to ever give a kid a decent chance in life - and in the process creating messes that the rest of us have to deal with! Surely a degree of reproductive regulation is not unreasonable?
George
One of the reasons I immigrated to NZ from my country of origin is because of NZs rich history of social equality and welfare. In my opinion this is a history of which New Zealanders should be proud. Instead, we are abandoning this outlook and embracing one that I find abhorrent: it is one that views poverty as a personal failure that affects only those who are weak. It also suggests that innocent children should suffer for the sins of their parents. This attitude is fostered by apathy, greed and evidenced by the increasing gap between the rich and the poor, the working poor, unaffordable housing and the corporatisation of NZ. One only need to look at the US to see the future and the end result of such attitudes: increased antisocialism, increased drug use, violent crime and gangs (our current problems are merely the beginning). In addition, from what I understand, persons on the benefit are given cash money each month and they are free to do with it as they choose. Is it any surpass that people in their situation might make poor decisions and spend this money for things other than that for which it was intended? While I believe in providing people with what they need, handing them money is not the answer. They need to be held accountable, educated and they need to contribute in whatever way they are able. Morality aside, whatever the problem, whatever the answer, a nation that does not care for its children -- regardless of the sins of the parents -- is one that will face grave consequences.
Sara
Having read your article on this subject my view is that we need to step back from shying away from "interfering" in people's private lives. Not everyone is a low income victim, and those that are need intervention and help. Now that we live in a very neo-liberal society with Governments and official organisations reluctant to overstep or disturb people's rights and privacy, too many parents are left to be negligent and too many are left to struggle without hope. Those who are struggling on low incomes should be assisted in every way possible to give their children good healthy meals and if they don't know how, they should be taught. Those that purposely neglect their children despite having help, or repeated warnings to change their ways don't deserve to be parents. Drugs and alcohol, overspending and selfishness should never come before a child's needs. We also need to lift this veil of shame we place on people who struggle to cope and let them feel pride at having sought help to overcome their difficulties. There is no shame is taking steps and seeking help to improve the life of your child. However those that are negligent parents should have that banner of shame firmly slapped around their