At Te Aroha College, we believe that healthy, delicious food is essential for student wellbeing and success. Thanks to the leadership of Karyn Galloway, our Ka Ora Ka Ako lunch programme manager, and the support of Principal Neil Harray, our school has developed a locally managed lunch programme that is both nutritious and popular with students.
Every school day, all students receive food at morning tea and lunchtime. Morning tea includes a rotating selection of yoghurt, fruit, popcorn, grain waves, muffins or slices. Lunches are freshly prepared on-site and include favourites like Thai green chicken curry, nachos, soup with bread, and our famous Te Aroha chicken burgers.
Our meals are made from raw ingredients, with a focus on reducing salt, sugar, and fat. Each lunch provides around 100g of protein, helping students stay full, focused, and energised throughout the day. We source seasonal fruit locally—up to 65kg daily—and work with suppliers like Woolworths to ensure our ingredients meet nutritional standards.
The impact on students has been clear: they are more settled, stay on-site longer, and are more engaged in learning. Some students have even credited the lunch programme with helping them stay in school and secure apprenticeships. Leftover meals are made available for students to take home, supporting families in our community.
Our programme has been recognised in the Waikato Times as a model of success. We are proud to offer a lunch system that not only feeds students but also fosters a stronger, healthier school environment.
