The problem

Right now, too many New Zealanders are hungry – struggling to access affordable and nutritious kai. 

15 - 20% of the population of Aotearoa New Zealand expereinces moderate to severe food insecurity at any time. Sustained food insecurity is incredibly stressful – negatively impacting mental and physical health, relationships, educational achievement, and reducing the likelihood of remaining securely housed. 

Over the last few years, our nation’s social service agencies, social enterprises, and food industries have given out more and more food – as the number of kiwis experiencing food poverty has steadily grown. The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated these existing challenges dramatically – and charitable responses have again expanded to try and meet the need. But solving New Zealand’s hunger requires a different approach – one that recognises food insecurity is a symptom generated by complex root causes like low wages, the cost of housing, and lengthy food supply chains.

If we want all our people to have dignified access to enough good food – we need an approach which recognises that food insecurity is experienced by people, but driven by systems.

All systems are human made so we can use our collective power and creativity to imagine and implement different ones that allow all to thrive.