By 3 News online staff
Parliament is set to debate Labour MP David Shearer's member's bill which guarantees 'food in schools' programmes for decile 1 to 3 schools.
Mr Shearer says the bill, which was drawn from the Member's Ballot today, will apply to primary and intermediate schools.
While feeding children should be the responsibility of parents, the Government, community groups and businesses should step in when there is a genuine need, he says.
"No child should have to start the day with an empty tummy.
"This is too important to be left vulnerable to changing budget priorities. By legislating for food in schools, Parliament can show its commitment to the children of New Zealand and ensure that they won’t be left to start the school day hungry," he says.
Mr Shearer is calling on National to back the bill.
3 News
source: newshub archive
