Food Charities Urge Ongoing Government Support as Survival Costs Surge in New Zealand
New Zealand food charities report that household budgets are under unprecedented strain, pushing some families to the brink of survival. They are advocating for sustained government funding for food rescue and distribution programs in the upcoming Budget, highlighting the critical need to address food insecurity amid rising living costs.
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Food charities in New Zealand, including KiwiHarvest, the Salvation Army, and the Food Network, are requesting ongoing government funding as rising costs make food a discretionary item for many families. KiwiHarvest has rescued a record four million kilograms of food in the past year, doubling its output over three years.
The Ministry for the Environment reports over one billion kilograms of food wasted annually, with 240 million kilograms deemed salvageable. Increased demand for food assistance is evident, with more referrals to foodbanks and growing numbers of food-insecure households. The Ministry of Social Development will publish a report on the effectiveness of funding for food charities by the end of the month, which could inform future support.
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