The Government has decided which centres are eligible based on a new ECE Equity Index.
If your ECE qualifies, KidsCan will contact you directly by email.
WHAT IF I’VE ALREADY APPLIED FOR KIDSCAN SUPPORT?
Many of the centres who had applied for KidsCan support are now eligible for this food programme – but unfortunately more than 50 are not.
KidsCan will contact those who aren’t eligible at this time – those centres will remain on our waiting list
IF I’M STILL ON THE WAITING LIST – HOW LONG UNTIL I GET SUPPORT?
Unfortunately, we don’t know at this stage.
Right now, our focus in on bringing the 500 new centres onto our programmes
Once that process is finished in mid-2025, we will update waitlist centres with a timeframe
KidsCan offers the programme to new centres as funding allows
IF MY ECE IS CHOSEN, WILL WE GET KIDSCAN JACKETS, SHOES ETC TOO?
Unfortunately, not at this stage as the Government funding is for food only – however KidsCan is still aiming to get jackets and shoes to these centres in future as funding allows
I’M ALREADY A KIDSCAN PARTNER ECE – WILL ANYTHING CHANGE?
No – our existing partner ECE centres will keep receiving the current programme – with food, shoes, jackets, gumboots and health items
Although the government funding for new centres is only guaranteed for 2 years, our existing partner centres’ support is ongoing.
I’M A MONTHLY DONOR – DO YOU STILL NEED MY DONATION?
100% yes! Your donation remains crucial
Our donors are funding our existing support in 894 schools and 205 early childhood centres, ensuring tens of thousands of children are fed and clothed every day
Despite this funding, we will still have a waiting list
More than 50 ECEs who have applied for KidsCan support don’t qualify for the government programme – and we want to get support to them ASAP.
The govt funding is only for food, not jackets or footwear – with more donations we aim to get our wraparound support to all preschoolers
We still have 98 schools waiting for help
HOW DID KIDSCAN GET CHOSEN?
KidsCan was chosen because we have a proven track record of feeding preschoolers – we already feed 6500 under 5s every day. We have the recipes, food suppliers and distribution networks already set up.
We are the only national organisation already doing this.
Our programmes are backed by research from Waikato University showing the difference this food support makes for children’s behaviour, attendance, and happiness.
DID KIDSCAN GO THROUGH A TENDER PROCESS TO GET THE CONTRACT?
Questions about the process should be directed to MoE or Minister Seymour’s office.
WHY IS KIDSCAN WORKING WITH THIS GOVERNMENT WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF POLICIES WHICH WILL PLUNGE MORE CHILDREN INTO POVERTY?
KidsCan works with all political parties.
We are focussed on feeding 10,000 more children and we are grateful to have the funding to do this – we know the difference it makes.
