Role Funding:As the school year gets under way across Aotearoa, a growing number of tamariki are starting back hungry and without enough kai – with 58 schools urgently seeking food support for students in need. Many educators say hunger is increasingly visible in their classrooms, and it’s impacting children’s ability to focus, participate, and thrive in their learning. In response, schools are turning to emergency food support, community groups, and local donations just to keep tamariki fed during the school day. Educators say hunger isn’t just a short-term problem – it has long-term consequences for learning, wellbeing, and rangatiratanga in our young people. For some, accessing food support has become a regular part of family life, and schools are increasingly acting as front-line safety nets.