Celebrating local heroes this International Volunteer Day
Representatives from Fonterra, Sanitarium and Ministry of Social Development joined Pokuru School in Waikato this morning to celebrate their KickStart Breakfast volunteers.
Pokuru School’s breakfast club serves Anchor Milk and Weet-Bix to around 30 students every school day. The club is supported by a group of parents and volunteers, including Sue Barton, a Fonterra farmer, who says volunteering is her way of staying connected with the community.
“Both my children and grandchildren went to Pokuru School, so being part of the breakfast club is a wonderful way to give back and keep those ties strong.
“Seeing the kids run up to say hello and grab their breakfast is always a highlight. It’s such a simple moment but brings so much joy,” she says.
Sue is one of 5,000 volunteers who help run the programme in more than 1,500 school across the country. These breakfast clubs have become a place for tamariki to come together, share kai and build positive, supportive relationships.
Kickstart Breakfast is a partnership between Fonterra, Sanitarium and the Ministry of Social Development, designed to positively impact child well-being through providing access to nutritious food at school.
Fonterra’s Managing Director Co-operative Affairs, Matt Bolger, says the Co-op is proud to work alongside partners and volunteers in the programme.
“Fonterra is proud to play its part in KickStart Breakfast, working alongside our partners, teachers, student leaders, whānau and 5,000 volunteers, who generously give their time to support their communities.
“We are committed to supporting communities with the natural goodness of dairy. Partnering with the Ministry for Social Development and Sanitarium means all of us can help deliver good quality nutrition that fuels tamariki and rangatahi across New Zealand while building strong relationships and growing future leaders,” Mr Bolger says.
Fonterra is proud to play its part in KickStart Breakfast, working alongside our partners, teachers, student leaders, whānau and 5,000 volunteers, who generously give their time to support their communities.
Michael Barton, General Manager at Sanitarium Health Food Company New Zealand says being part the programme reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting Kiwi kids.
“We believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and when children begin their day with a nutritious breakfast, they’re not only fuelling their bodies, but also supporting their ability to learn, connect and grow with confidence.
“Our 16-year partnership with the KickStart Breakfast initiative reflects our commitment to supporting the whole person health of over 45,000 Kiwi kids every school day, working collaboratively with our partners to give them a daily foundation to thrive physically, mentally and socially. Together, we’re giving them the best possible start to their day whilst helping create healthier futures for New Zealand."
Since its launch in 2009, the programme has served more than 75 million breakfasts and now reaches over 45,000 tamariki and rangatahi every school day.
Its impact go far beyond the meal, contributing to better school attendance, improved behaviours and greater educational outcomes for students.
Speaking at the celebration, Waikato’s Regional Commissioner Tracey Smith recognised the importance of partnerships in delivering greater results for the community.
"The vision of Ministry for Social Development is to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent. It takes a whole community to achieve this, and partnerships are key in enabling great economic and social outcomes."