A community partnership between Fonterra, Sanitarium, and the Ministry of Social Development celebrated its 15th anniversary at an Auckland school that has been part of KickStart Breakfast since the programme began.
Representatives from the government, Fonterra and Sanitarium attended the Birdwood School in West Auckland event to celebrate the programme’s achievements.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston joined the celebration and said that KickStart Breakfast was an excellent example of business and community sectors working with the government to deliver positive change to children and families.
“Ensuring hungry children get a good breakfast is an investment in their learning. They are in a much better place to learn and achieve their potential,” said Upton.
KickStart Breakfast has served Anchor milk and Sanitarium Weet-Bix to more than 42,000 students every school day, 66 percent of whom are primary school age. Any public school nationwide can join the programme.
Fonterra’s Director of Global Sustainability, Stakeholder Affairs and Trade, Simon Tucker, said the Co-operative has been committed to positively impacting and connecting communities throughout New Zealand.
“We’re incredibly proud to deliver good quality dairy nutrition to help fuel tamariki and rangatahi across New Zealand so they can achieve their best every school day,” said Tucker.
“We’re grateful to play our part in supporting our communities alongside our partners, teachers, student leaders, whānau and the 4,000 strong volunteers, who generously give their time and energy to supporting their local breakfast clubs.”
The programme has helped students start the day happier and more settled, with a remarkable ability to focus on learning, according to a report by the Ākina Foundation.
The report showed that this led to societal benefits, including better school attendance, improved behaviours, and greater educational outcomes for students. It also reduced time and financial stress for whānau, with more spending available for other necessities.
Sanitarium General Manager Michael Barton said it was humbling to give back to communities.
“This milestone celebration speaks of an incredible journey for Sanitarium as it is core to our purpose and commitment to promoting healthy eating choices and giving communities access to wholesome food.”
Schools nationwide will hold KickStart Breakfast celebrations this month to mark the 15-year milestone.
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