Hipkins took the critique on board and announced the Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme will be expanded to include an additional 88,000 students across 322 schools nationwide this year. In the 2020 Budget the government said $216.7 million in operating and $3.9 million in capital expenditure had been allocated over the next two years to fund the expansion to ease pressure on low income families in the wake of Covid-19 The start of the school year can be an expensive time for families with a lot of additional costs, he said. “Providing a daily nutritious lunch is one way we can help ease pressure on the household budget and ensure our tamariki don t miss out on learning because they re hungry.