# Child Poverty Beyond Uniforms

> Child poverty experts highlight food insecurity as a bigger issue than school uniform costs.
- Title: Child Poverty Beyond Uniforms · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: Child poverty experts highlight food insecurity as a bigger issue than school uniform costs. KidsCan reports 169,000 children face material hardship, with…
- Keywords: child poverty, kidscan, school uniforms, food insecurity, new zealand, politics, news, Child, Poverty, Beyond, Uniforms, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1865475/more-to-child-poverty-than-school-uniform-costs-advocates-say
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-12T15:49:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: child poverty, kidscan, school uniforms, food insecurity, new zealand, politics, news
## Child Poverty Focus
KidsCan founder Dame Julie Chapman says 169,000 children face material hardship in new zealand.

> We know that it is challenging for families to afford school uniforms
## Uniform Cost Debate
Labour Party promises cheaper uniforms and generic alternatives to reduce back-to-school costs.

> absolutely ridiculous
## Food Crisis Worsens
Food distribution needs have increased year on year with 22 years of highest demand.

> things that are going to make it easier for families to provide for their children in general are really important
## Key takeaway

KidsCan reports 169,000 children face material hardship, with food costs rising faster than uniform alternatives.