Hungry for an Education
“Over the last months we are finding more and more of our tamariki are coming into preschool without sufficient food for the day and often without having had breakfast in the morning.”
Kairos Food Rescue has been seeing an increased need in Christchurch in many areas since COVID began. The lack of basic necessities is affecting every sector of our community, every age group, every district and suburb.
In the last month or so, Kairos has seen an influx of enquiries — sometimes two a day — from local schools faced with trying to teach hungry children who turn up to school without having had breakfast or even having lunch prepared. One principal stated that she had never observed such need in the 10 years she had been with the school.
So what do they do? Sometimes the teachers will buy food for the kids in their class out of their own pockets. On a teacher’s salary, this is hardly sustainable, especially as they are also affected by cost of living increases.
Schools in Christchurch are desperate for help. They are looking for help supplying breakfast foods, like cereal and tinned fruit. They are also seeking assistance in guiding parents who need help.
“I am reaching out to ministries and organisations who work in the food rescue space to see if anyone has the capacity to partner with us in helping keep our little ones tummies full.”
—Christchurch principal
How can you help?
Kairos Food Rescue is co-ordinating a food drive to help our areas schools. Please consider contributing financially.
There is an unprecendented need in Christchurch. Schools around our city are reporting that kids are coming to class without breakfast or lunch. Some teachers are buying food for students out of their own pockets.
You can help your community by helping to make sure that kids are coming to school fueled by a healthy breakfast.
