Kellogg’s is supporting families in need by partnering with the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) to distribute more than $200,000 worth of MorningStar Farms vegetarian and vegan food products.
The food, ranging from vegetarian burger patties to vegan chik’n nuggets and mince, will be a welcome addition to the mixed pallets of donated food being distributed to a network of 34 food hubs across the country.
Ideal for those whanau who have special dietary or culturally sensitive food requirements, Gavin Findlay is CEO of the NZFN, said the donation of vegetarian and vegan food will help meet a growing need.
“As the number of people relying on food parcels unfortunately increases, so too does the variety of diets we try to cater for. Protein in any form is welcomed but if we can support people with food that matches their cultural or dietary needs, that’s even better,” said Findlay.
“Across Aotearoa, as an impact of COVID-19, many charities have seen food requests skyrocket as many Kiwis face the realities of job losses or a reduction in work hours. These situations mean they can’t afford to put adequate, nutritious food on the table with any regularity, which is why this latest generous donation from Kellogg’s is so critical.”
Kellogg General Manager NZ & Director of Corporate Affairs, ANZ Tamara Howe said the partnership is part of Kellogg’s ongoing commitment to tackle hunger and combat food insecurity as part of its Better Days programme.
“We firmly believe that no one should wake up to an empty bowl,” said Howe.
“Over the last few years, Kellogg’s has been working closely with a number of key charity partners to help tackle hunger providing cereals and snacks, as well as financial support for some of the programmes.
“Unfortunately, in New Zealand the problem we’re facing continues to grow. In 2020 alone we have already donated over 1.3million serves of food across New Zealand through our partnerships with the NZFN, Eat My Lunch and the City Missions and have already delivered millions of better days for families in need.
“Our partnership with the New Zealand Food Network further builds on our commitment to Kiwi families with this latest donation adding up to a total of $379,000 worth of food donated to the charity since last June.”
NZFN is a social venture founded to provide people in need access to healthy and nutritious food through the sharing bulk surplus and donated food.
It was launched in July 2020 in response to the country’s growing food insecurity crisis - which peaked sharply in the wake of COVID-19. The partnership between Kellogg’s and the NZFN began at the NZFN’s establishment with the donation of breakfast cereals.
The NZFN operates by collecting quality surplus and donated bulk food from producers, growers and wholesalers around the country, and distributes it to food rescue organisations, iwi and charities, providing an integrated nationwide solution that can connect supply to demand.
Recipient food hubs cover the length and breadth of the country and include KiwiHarvest in Auckland, Dunedin and Queenstown; Nourished for Nil in Hastings; BBM Motivation in Manukau, Good Neighbour Aotearoa in Tauranga and 27 others, all of which distribute the food to local groups supporting vulnerable communities.
Last year Kellogg’s donated more than 3million serves of food to Kiwi and Australian charities and social organisations.
