09 August 2024
Celebrating 15 Years of KickStart Breakfast
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This morning, our community partnership between Fonterra, Sanitarium and the Ministry of Social Development today celebrated 15-years of KickStart Breakfast at Birdwood School, Auckland who have been part of KickStart Breakfast since the programme began.
KickStart Breakfast not only provides a nutritious start to the school day for over 1,400 schools across the motu; it provides a space for tamariki and rangatahi to come together, share some kai and build connection.
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston said KickStart Breakfast is a great example of business and community sectors working with government to deliver positive change to children and families.
“Making sure 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.”
(L to R: Simon Tucker (Director of Global Sustainability, Stakeholder Affairs and Trade Fonterra), Madeleine Coop (Head girl Birdwood School), Michael Barton (GM Sanitarium NZ), Alatina Moematagi (Deputy head boy Birdwood School), Minister Louise Upston.
Kickstart Breakfast currently serves Anchor™ milk and Sanitarium Weet-Bix™ to more than 42,000 students every school day with two-thirds of those at primary school age.
Breakfast is served at Birdwood School
Simon Tucker, Director of Global Sustainability, Stakeholder Affairs and Trade, said the Co-operative is committed to positively impacting and connecting communities throughout New Zealand.
“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,” says Mr Tucker.
Sanitarium General Manager Michael Barton said it was humbling to be able 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 promote healthy eating choices and giving communities access to wholesome food.”
The programme helps students start the day happier and more settled, with a greater ability to focus on learning, according to a report by the Ākina Foundation.
The report showed this led to societal benefits including better school attendance, improved behaviours, and greater educational outcomes for students, as well as less time and financial stress for whānau, with more spending available for other necessities.
We invite our KickStart Breakfast schools to join the 15 year celebrations and share your photos, milestone breakfast event, videos and/or creative artwork with the team at kickstart.breakfast@fonterra.com or use the hashtag #15yearsofkickstartbreakfast