Recently the government announced it would fund KickStart, a breakfast-in-schools programme designed specifically for decile 1 to 4 schools. The announcement was generally well received but did raise an uncomfortable question: is it the state’s role to feed people’s kids?

At first glance, it is a good idea. The idea of children going hungry tugs at the heartstrings, and is an obvious cause for concern. However, from a public policy point of view, the funding boost is less desirable. Will this policy fix any deeply entrenched social problems or does it risk creating a new form of dependency?

On the plus side, breakfast in schools could improve kids’ ability to learn. Proponents of the scheme argue that hungry kids cannot learn, are a hassle for teachers, and reflect social problems at home: although the state cannot fix some of these entrenched problems, it can at least feed unfortunate kids.

The programme is also an excellent example of responsible corporate citizenship on the parts of Fonterra and Sanitarium, who are providing the milk and Weetbix for the programme.

However, opponents argue that providing breakfast to children simply isn’t the government’s responsibility.

Many communities already grapple with issues of dependency, and expecting the government and corporations to feed children could ultimately crowd out privately provided breakfasts. Why would a parent bother if breakfast was being provided at school? If a child is going to school hungry, it is likely that there are even more serious problems at home.

There is also the ever present threat that a future government could cut the programme’s $9.5 million funding if savings were needed. After all, what the government gives, the government can take away.

Fortunately, the government is aware of these issues. In announcing the scheme, Prime Minister John Key said, “We want to strike a balance between looking after the kids in genuine need, against creating dependency.”

Breakfast in schools may increase some kids’ ability to learn but ultimately, feeding children is primarily the responsibility of parents.

Government should think twice before potentially creating a new class of people dependent on the state.