The new school lunches programme experienced more issues today as a problem with ovens saw delivery delays in Auckland.
It comes after several principals were left frustrated yesterday, with some schools paying for food themselves when deliveries were late.
An email sent to schools today from the School Lunch Collective – which provides the meals – said there was a “technical problem” with ovens.
“We apologise to you and to the students for the number of times this week the lunches have arrived late.”
In a statement to Stuff, the School Lunch Collective said the issue had been resolved, but “unfortunately, this means delays for Auckland schools in the school lunch programme who are unlikely to receive their lunches on time”.
“We have been in touch with affected schools directly to apologise and we’re working together with them to make sure tamariki receive their lunches today. In some cases, Compass NZ has delivered additional food items to schools and where it is easier for schools to go out and purchase meals for students, schools will be reimbursed.
“With over 127,000 meals being delivered around the country every school day, we are committed to supporting students learning through the Healthy School Lunches Programme.”
Associate Education Minister David Seymour said in a statement today that the School Lunch Collective was holding itself accountable for the issues it experienced in the first few days.
“It is important to recognise that this is the first three days of a major programme, requiring 242,000 hot meals to be delivered on time and at the right temperature to schools each day,” he said.
“The majority of those meals have been delivered on time and at the right temperature on the first attempt. The delivery processes will only get better and I expect the collective to work with principals to do this.”
A number of schools were left waiting for food yesterday after “operational issues” saw some deliveries arrive hours after they were due.
Henderson Intermediate principal Viv Carr said she had to order $1000 worth of pizza for 750 students after the food arrived an hour and a half late.
McAuley High School deputy principal Miles Sengers said staff had to go up the road to a fruit shop because they were not confident that food would arrive.
The School Lunch Collective, a partnership between Compass Group NZ, Libelle Group and Gilmours, acknowledged yesterday that there were “teething problems” in the first few days of the programme.
“We apologise to the schools and students affected by this and are in contact with them to address these early challenges,” said Compass managing director Paul Harvey.
Teachers have spent hundreds of dollars of their own money to feed hungry students. (Source: 1News)
“We appreciate the patience and support they have given so far. With over 127,000 meals being sent around the country every school day, we are learning each day, and are committed to supporting students education through the Healthy School Lunches Programme.”
The programme, introduced by the Labour Government six years ago, was remodelled by the coalition Government last year. The number of intermediate and secondary school students receiving lunches did not change, but $130 million in funding annually was saved by using bigger suppliers.
British multinational Compass Group now runs the program, tasked with creating nutritious, tasty meals for kids at $3 a head.
