Nourishing Every Learner: A Spotlight on Our Dietetic Team

At the heart of the School Lunch Collective is a team dedicated to making sure every meal meets the highest nutritional standards — while being safe and inclusive for all ākonga. That team is our Dietetic Team, a group of registered health professionals who guide our menu development from start to finish.

Their job goes far beyond counting nutrients. The Dietetic Team conducts a full nutritional analysis of every recipe to ensure it aligns with guidelines developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education. From ensuring the right balance of vegetables, grains, and protein foods, to assessing portion sizes and meal weights — no detail is too small when it comes to supporting healthy learning.

But nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle. The team also plays a key role in ensuring our menus cater to a wide range of dietary needs, including allergies, cultural, religious, and ethical food requirements. Their work ensures as many ākonga as possible can safely and confidently enjoy the meals we provide.

This collaboration spans across Culinary, Supply Chain, and Production teams — and continues even when ingredients change. If substitutions are needed, the Dietetic Team carefully reviews everything to make sure no new allergens or dietary conflicts are introduced.

Their work is thoughtful, thorough, and essential — making sure every plate we serve reflects our values of inclusivity, safety, and manaakitanga.