More than half a million Kiwis are accessing food banks each month to get by – the highest number on record.
However, the donated supplies needed to feed them is not growing at the same pace.
A recent survey from the New Zealand Food Network, a not-for-profit organisation which distributes food to food banks across the country, revealed that food hubs were providing support to more than 500,000 individuals a month between July and December 2024.
This was up from the previous number of 454,000 individuals between January and June 2024.
New Zealand Food Network chief executive Gavin Findlay said it was a “challenging environment” to continually support people.
“It’s startling really that one in ten Kiwis at some point of the month are needing food support.”
He said the findings highlighted something the organisation had been hearing anecdotally for months.
“The need for food support is climbing exponentially and more Kiwi families are turning to support services as financial strain means making some really difficult sacrifices.”
A third of recipients had not sought food support before, the report found.
“With food prices reported to have increased by 2.4% in the 12 months leading up to February 2025, this is ongoing evidence that food insecurity is impacting Kiwis from all walks of life, not just those from low-income households,” said Findlay.
Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson said teams across the city were receiving repeated calls and requests for support “day after day after day”.
“This is big numbers – it’s hundreds of thousands of people.”
Both the food network and Auckland City Mission are calling for further support from the Government, food suppliers and the community.
Robinson said there was no secure funding for the City Mission, the New Zealand Food Network or any food bank across the country after June 30.
“Very honestly, it’s hard not to feel desperate.”
Findlay put the call out to New Zealanders to support the network.
“If you’re a food business looking for a solution to your surplus, can donate some stock, or anyone able to support with financial donations so we can purchase high-quality, nutritious food and essential items, please get in touch with us so we can continue getting food where it’s needed most.
“The need is only getting worse.”