Monitoring and reporting framework#
We monitor service levels and programme performance to allow operational oversight and continuous improvement.
Agreements in place with internal model schools and kura, iwi and hapū meal providers and external suppliers include a robust reporting framework, which includes formal monitoring meetings, performance indicators, engagement, including end of term surveys and student-focused feedback, reporting requirements and participation in strategic and operational discussions.
2025 termly survey#
A healthy school lunches survey is sent to schools and meal providers to gain a snapshot of the programme.
In 2025, a survey was sent to over 1,000 schools, kura and 95 suppliers at the end of Term 2 and Term 3. We received responses from 48% of schools and 85% of meal providers.
Below is an overview of the 2025 survey insights.
Perceived benefits of the programme:
- 66% of schools reported improvement in student learning
- 61% of schools reported improvement in student behaviour
- 38% of schools reported improvement in student achievement
- 59% of schools reported improvement in student attendance.
Surplus and waste reporting in the survey is based on a 10-day reporting period.
The percentage across all models is:
- total school survey surplus (meals not eaten and returned to the supplier): average of 10.6 %
- total meal provider reported end of lunch waste (including packaging and food waste): average of 0.87 kg per 100 lunches.
Programme overall rating in Terms 2 and 3 from schools was 3.94 out of 5.
Termly survey information sheets#
These information sheets are for meal providers, schools, and kura to review before completing the termly survey. Your feedback helps the Healthy School Lunches team improve how we support you to deliver healthy lunches to students.
External supplier waste management overview#
This data was gathered from termly supplier and school surveys and supplier waste management plans for the external delivery model.
Thank you to everyone who completed these forms, they play a key role in continuous improvement of the programme. Understanding what waste is created and where it’s going is an important step to minimise waste.
The overview is for the July 2024 to June 2025 period.
Evaluations of the programme#
From 2022–2024, we commissioned independent evaluations of the programme, and a technical evaluation report. The evaluations aimed to help us understand:
- the impacts of the programme on learners of different age groups
- the nutritional value of the lunches.
Evaluation findings included identifiable shifts in engagement in education and wellbeing, as well as wider societal impacts from the programme.
