Food in Schools Bills defeated
OneNews 18 March 2015
A Green Party members bill to introduce a more comprehensive food in schools programme for all decile one and two schools has been defeated at its first reading in Parliament this afternoon.
Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei Metiria’s so-called ‘Feed the Kids’ members bill, which she inherited from former MP Hone Harawira, was narrowly voted down by 61 to 59 votes.
The bill would have seen all kids in decile one and two schools provided with breakfast and lunch.
The Government insists there are only small numbers of children going without food at school and that its existing programmes and its contributions to the KidsCan charity are doing enough to address the issue.
Another members bill addressing the issue, in the name of Labour MP David Shearer, is also due to be debated this evening, although it’s also unlikely to progress.
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/key-completely-touch-needs-nz-s-poorest-kids-turei-6258127
