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How the internal delivery model works#
In the internal delivery model, lunches are delivered to students in their own school. Schools in this model can also be a meal provider to other schools in their region.
Some schools have a mixed or hybrid model. For example, they provide their own lunches and use another meal provider on different days of the week.
The internal partnership model#
The internal partnership model is where an internal model school (head school) prepares lunches for another local school (receiving school).
The head school manages the end-to-end provision of lunches for the receiving school.
The head school must meet the minimum requirements for nutrition, health and safety. They are paid directly by us.
What is required to be an internal model school#
Internal model schools must meet nutrition standards and health and safety requirements, including registering a Food Control Plan.
There are significant costs and setup processes involved with an internal model. Schools must have the facilities and capability to:
- procure ingredients
- manage a kitchen and staff
- plan menus
- make school lunches in-house.
Responsibilities include:
- setup and maintenance of a suitable kitchen
- registering and monitoring a food control plan
- understanding nutritional standards
- meeting finance and reporting requirements
- staff management
- waste management.
While the internal model works well for some schools, it is not a suitable option for all schools.
Waste and surplus#
Internal model schools manage their own waste and surplus.
You can read about waste and surplus for the Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme.
Funding and agreements#
Internal model schools are funded directly by us and sign a funding agreement. See an example agreement below.
Agreements overview – Ka Ora, Ka Ako | Healthy School Lunches Programme
Find more information about the number of schools and students in each model.
Schools and students for each delivery model
Information about funding for the internal model is also available.
