The ECE Food For Kids Programme

The KidsCan ECE Food for Kids Programme is a free food programme offered to 2 to 5-year-olds attending eligible early childhood education (ECE) centres around Aotearoa, starting in early 2025, for two years.

The programme is funded by the New Zealand Government and delivered by the KidsCan Charitable Trust. Up to 10,000 preschoolers will benefit. 

• KidsCan’s suppliers deliver fresh, healthy ingredients to centres every week, so staff can put together easy-to-prepare lunches for tamariki – like a meal kit.  

• Centres select from a range of recipes that children love - including mac and cheese, shepherd's pie, fresh sandwiches, and chop suey.  

• We also provide fruit and yoghurt to complement lunches 

• The serving sizes are from Ministry of Health guidelines for 5-year-olds – given this could be the main meal of the day for some children   

• The menus are designed in collaboration with the Heart Foundation, and include a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables.   

• Centres can order vegetarian, dairy-free and halal-friendly food 

• The Ministry of Health's recommendations on reducing the risk of food-related choking in early learning services. 

• Our suppliers include The Produce Company, Woolworths, New World, Pak n Save, Bell’s Produce and Four Square  

• Centre staff involved in preparing the meals have undergone compulsory food safety training   

• KidsCan has provided kitchen equipment to centres who need it, to ensure there are no barriers to participation 

Learn More About The Government Healthy Food Guide