As we watch the entire world grapple with food insecurity and rising costs caused by political and environmental unrest, we are reminded of how important initiatives like the Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunch programme are.
The next generation of Kiwis are growing up in globally tumultuous times. School lunch programmes not only enable them to have the sustenance they need to reach physical and educational milestones, but they also create a sense of community - sharing a meal as an integral part of human socialisation - and offer learning opportunities from trying different cultural cuisines to understanding waste and the lifecycle of products and materials.
We are heading into winter, which means the need for Kiwi kids to be well nourished increases. Winter is a great time to try alternative dish ideas, plus the variety of New Zealand grown vegetables that are in season means delicious menu items that also tick all the healthy boxes are made even easier.
Don’t just go for the predictable vegetable soup - remember that kids, just like all of us, eat with their eyes. Colourful dishes that look as good as they taste can turn even the fussiest eaters around.
Variety is the spice of life, while staples are important, kids get bored easily, swapping out a protein with a plant-based alternative can be enough to keep young eaters excited all year round!
Check out some winter menu inspiration in the latest issue of Educatering, click here.
