Free School Lunches gets A-rating, but David Seymour still warns funding cuts will be made [Video]

The Free School Lunches program has been given a big tick by Auckland University researchers, who’ve found evidence that free lunches do lead to better attendance.

It comes as Associate Education Minister David Seymour warns there’s “no doubt” funding cuts will be made to the programme.

Lunchtime at Flat Bush Primary School is a sight to behold. Every day, food boxes are organised by students, passed out after playtime, and then after a quick karakia, they dig in, merrily listing the ingredients to us as we go round with the Newshub microphone.

“We got the bread!!! We got the berries!”

And ask the kids if the Ka Ora, Ka Ako or Free Lunch program is working – they’ve got a lot to say.

“It makes me full.”

“It’s helping the community over here.”

They’re younger than 11.

Researchers told Newshub on Monday the kid’s enthusiasm is warranted.

“This is about reducing barriers to education,” said Auckland University’s Professor of population nutrition and global health Boyd Swinburn.

Prof Swinburn and his team crunched …