KidsCan has a record waitlist with 10,000 children in 260 schools and early childhood centers needing help. The charity provides food and clothing but is struggling with funding. Chief executive Julie Chapman said it’s heartbreaking to see kids who now need help when they didn’t before.
In Christchurch, over 250 children in 2 schools and 4 early childhood centers need support. Throughout Canterbury, 11 more schools and centers are also on the waitlist. Most of these schools are in middle-income areas, and many do not qualify for the government’s lunch program.
KidsCan has been receiving more concerns from schools about students’ living conditions as winter approaches. One social worker reported seeing homes with up to 30 people living together or multiple tents in front yards.
To help these children, KidsCan is launching an urgent appeal, supported by Meridian Energy. Chapman emphasized that children cannot wait for help during such important times in their lives.
Associate education minister David Seymour acknowledged the struggles many families face due to rising costs of living. He mentioned that the government is working to extend school lunches to 10,000 more children in need.
Moreover, Seymour invited food manufacturers and distributors to join the Healthy School Lunches program, which aims to provide meals to over 240,000 children. This revamped initiative will begin in 2025, and businesses can register their interest on the Government Electronic Tender Service website starting August 12.
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