New national report shows community food support is ‘life-changing’ for thousands of whānau.
Kore Hiakai Zero Hunger Collective alongside the Tāmaki Makaurau Community Food Distributors Network and the Aotearoa Food Parcel Measure have released The Impact of Community Food Support, a nationwide report that draws on the experiences of 189 whānau across Aotearoa New Zealand, representing 641 people, including 267 children.
The findings are clear: community food support is not only easing immediate hunger, but also strengthening emotional and mental wellbeing, stabilising household finances, and reconnecting whānau to their communities.
“In a country with everything we need to ensure everyone thrives, it is astonishing that one in four households still run out of food,” says Tric Malcolm (Pou Ārahi, Kore Hiakai).
“Whānau told us again and again that food support doesn’t just fill cupboards, it restores dignity, reduces stress, and gives them breathing room to move toward long-term stability. It is not the whole answer to our food insecurity problem in Aotearoa New Zealand, but with this immediate support whanau have an opportunity to find relief.”
Whānau speak to the impact: “Peace of mind”, “less stress”, “ I can feed my kids daily.”
Whānau were invited to share openly about how food support has affected their lives. Their words highlight the scale of both the challenge and the opportunity in front of us:
“I feel supported and confident in future.”
“Anxiety drops immediately.”
“I could send the kids to school with lunch again.”
“My depression improved a lot.”
“If it wasn’t for food support, I wouldn’t know what I’d do to get food.”
These individual experiences sit alongside compelling data:
93% reported improved emotional wellbeing.
87% reported improved overall health and wellbeing.
79% now feel confident they will have enough kai for the week.
88% say without food support, life would become significantly harder. With some even saying they would be forced to skip meals, take on debt, or consider unsafe options.
79% have money left to cover other essentials, such as power, healthcare, or rent.
87% feel more connected to their wider community.
Food support is not just about the food, it’s a gateway to long-term change
Much of the impact reported by whānau goes beyond the food itself. Through community food support organisations, people also gained access to:
employment and training pathways
health and wellbeing care
financial mentoring
housing support
education and childcare
community activities, volunteering, and opportunities to give back
“For many whānau, the doorway they walk through for kai becomes a bridge to stability, connection, and hope,” says Tric Malcolm. “This is what community organisations do so well. They walk alongside people with care, respect, and cultural grounding.”
As Budget 2026 approaches, whānau need certainty
The report also highlights the reality that government funding for community food support remains uncertain, despite demand continuing to rise.
“If government withdraws its support, the consequences will be immediate and severe,” Tric Malcolm says. “Organisations will face impossible decisions about staffing, food supply, and how many whānau they can support. We risk losing a vital part of our social infrastructure.”
“These people from all walks of life; beneficiaries, working poor, retired people, teachers, nurses, business owners. These are our people. While lower incomes remain inadequate in this cost-of-living crisis, unless government do something to address those inadequate incomes, people are reliant on community food support to supplement their incomes.”
Kore Hiakai, alongside the Tāmaki Makaurau Community Food Distributors Network and Aotearoa Food Parcel Measure Network, are calling for two urgent commitments:
Adequate, multi-year resourcing for community food support across Aotearoa New Zealand.
A national plan for food security, developed in partnership with iwi, community, and the wider food system.
“We all want an Aotearoa where every person has dignified access to good kai,” says Tric Malcolm. “While we work toward that future, we must ensure whānau have what they need to get through today. Community food support is essential, and the evidence shows that.”
About the Report
The Impact of Community Food Support was developed with six community partners across Auckland and Wānaka. The voices and experiences of whānau form the heart of the report, reflecting diverse cultures, ages, and household types.
The full report is available at www.korehiakai.org.nz.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Kore Hiakai Zero Hunger Collective
Tric Malcolm
Email: tric@korehiakai.org.nz
027 463 4377
Website: www.zerohunger.org.nz