Free, healthy school lunches in New Zealand: A Value for Investment analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Universal, healthy school meal programs can address poor nutrition, improve educational outcomes and job and life opportunities, and support environmental sustainability. While many countries have extensive experience with such programs, New Zealand's initiative (Ka Ora, Ka Ako) was launched in 2020 as part of the COVID-19 recovery strategy and, by 2024, reached over 236,000 (~ 27%) school students.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the value generated from the investment (~ NZD320 million/year) in Ka Ora, Ka Ako and its potential for further value creation.

Methods

The study employed the participatory Value for Investment framework to assess the program across five economic domains: effectiveness, efficiency, economy, equity, and cost-effectiveness. Fo

SUBMITTER: Mejia Toro C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12539167 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature