Renovation of school cafeteria creates commercial kitchen for Gisborne Boys’ High school

Looking forward to enjoying lunches prepared in Boys’ High’s new commercial kitchen, with the help of Bubz Cowan (second left) are, from left, Levi Soto, Rylan Ingram, Liko Fehoko, Mana Maxwell , Porourangi Olsen-Marina, Ryland Bright and Rylan Ngarangione. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell

Providing fresh and nutritious meals in schools is the core philosophy behind Gisborne Boys’ High’s newly renovated commercial kitchen.

Principal Tom Cairns said the school  applied last year to the Ministry of Education for the Healthy Lunches programme that aims to reduce food insecurity by providing access to a nutritious lunch in school every day.

“We applied for the management of internal delivery which meant we would make our own food in-house and provide meals to the school’s kids.

“Previously the school lunch contract was held by an external provider and we  offer our thanks for their services.”

Mr Cairns said from the school’s perspective this opportunity was a great way of looking after the students’ overall wellbeing “that supports their learning and everything that they do at school”.

School project manager David Lindup said they have employed seven people to prepare the meals for the boys.

“They are fantastic ladies who have prior experience in catering and food delivery. Together with them we have made up a menu and put together health and food safety plans.

“At the moment we are also working with the ministry to make sure all the nutritional standards are met and our boys are receiving healthy lunches on a regular basis,” he said.

Mr Cairns said the new kitchen replaced the old cafeteria they had in school.

“With the new upgrades in appliances and space, we are now producing 800 meals on a daily basis. We are also very pleased to see the immediate outcomes in our boys and would like to thank the staff, David and the ministry for their support.”

Mr Cairns said the school lunch contract also opened up potential for having their senior catering classes involved and could also include horticultural classes in future for curriculum developments.