Weathering the Storm: Lessons from the School Lunches Programme
By Scott Tiffany, General Manager and Sarah Gibb, Chairperson
Since 2021, Pukete Neighbourhood House proudly provided healthy school lunches through a Ministry of Education initiative, ensuring tamariki in our community received nutritious meals every day. By May 2024, we were thrilled to receive a two-year extension. As a result, we expanded our team, leased extra kitchen space, and invested in scaling up operations.
But then came October 2024. Without warning, the government rescinded its promise. The contract was terminated, leaving us just six weeks to pivot. The human cost of this sudden change was enormous, but the organisational impact is significant.
Here’s what we’ve learned from navigating this challenge:
Focus on What You Can Control
When crisis hits, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by factors beyond your influence. Instead, channel your energy into the areas you can control, your decisions, your processes, and your people.Acknowledge Emotions but Maintain Perspective
It’s a deeply emotional experience to lose a key contract. Acknowledge the feelings, but don’t let them cloud your strategic thinking.Prioritise Open and Honest Communication
Be transparent, with yourself, your team, and your governance board. Everyone needs to be on the same page to weather the storm together.Leverage Existing Strengths and Relationships
Lean on the resources, relationships, and partnerships you’ve already built. Bring in advisors, experts, and friends to help share the load.Recognise the Limits of Contestable Funding
Contestable funding often won’t fill the gap left by lost income. Focus these funds on maintaining responsiveness to community needs rather than trying to fully replace lost revenue.Give Yourself Time
Change on this scale isn’t fixed overnight. Give yourself and your team the time to process, adapt, and plan for the future.Diversify Income Streams
Relying on a single income stream is risky. Losing one contract shouldn’t be catastrophic. By diversifying your funding sources, you’ll still feel the pain, but it won’t be the end.Ensure Governance is Active and Supportive
Your governance board plays a crucial role in navigating uncertainty. Encourage active involvement and seek external expertise when needed.Embrace Creativity and Innovation
Community organisations excel at responding creatively to crisis. Think big, adapt quickly, and explore new solutions.Acknowledge the Ongoing Challenge
It’s been six months since we lost the School Lunch contract, and the impact is still with us. Financial reserves are essential. Ask yourself: does your financial policy include holding a certain level of operating expenses in reserve? This foresight can make all the difference.Explore New Opportunities
At Pukete, we’re building new pathways forward, like the Pukete Catering Co., a social enterprise powered by purpose. Every sandwich, lunchbox, and bite help sustain our vital community services.
Losing the School Lunch contract was a massive blow, but it’s taught us valuable lessons in resilience, innovation, and community spirit. With the right mindset, and the right support, we’re determined to keep serving our community for years to come.