New Zealand's school lunch program faces serious challenges

The school lunch program in New Zealand has faced significant challenges since its launch in 2020, following a $130 million budget cut. Currently, about 240,000 students benefit from the program, which has undergone five evaluations. Recent incidents, including a lunch that exploded, have raised concerns about safety and accountability. The situation highlights ongoing political tensions, with differing views on funding and the program's effectiveness. The program's issues reflect broader challenges in policymaking, as parties struggle to balance social needs with budget constraints.