The price of milk

A Waikato secondary school principal wants funding for a breakfast club as the rising price of milk prompts concerns about children’s nutrition and behaviour.

Matamata College principal Glen Roswell said many of his students were coming to school without an adequate breakfast.

“I would like to see funding for a breakfast club so that students could start the day properly,” he said.

Over the past five years milk has increased in price by 50 percent.

[pullquote]I remember having school milk back in the day and to be honest it was ever so nice.[/pullquote]

The Health Ministry recommends two servings of milk per day and children may not be receiving the nine essential nutrients in milk including calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which are good for bone growth and concentration levels.

A Consumer New Zealand survey showed 87 per cent of New Zealanders had noticed an increase in the price of milk, with 91 per cent believing the price was high.

Retired Matamata dairy farmer Georgie Redshaw agreed that the price of milk was high.

“There is still a market for it but not everyone can afford it,” she said.

Firth Primary School principal James  Eldridge has installed a programme for his school called Kick Start Breakfast, which involves Fonterra supplying a crate of milk per week and Sanitarium supplying Weetbix for the decile three school.

Mr Eldridge said some mornings up to 20 children came for a free breakfast.

“I do applaud the idea of milk for all students though, as it is fantastic brain food,” he said.

New Zealand once had a similar scheme which began in the 1930s during a time of economic depression.

It provided half a pint of milk to every child to help improve bone and teeth development.

“I remember having school milk back in the day and to be honest it was ever so nice to have that facility,” said Matamata College staff member, parent and grandparent Rangi Douglas.

“I don’t remember children being lactose intolerant back then.”