KiwiHarvest shows that research from the Ministry of Health has revealed that the number of Kiwi children experiencing food insecurity has seen the largest year-on-year jump over a decade.
Over 21 percent of children live in households where food runs out often. It is estimated that the Government's benefit changes are projected to push approximately 13,000 additional children into poverty by 2028.
To combat this, KiwiHarvest has pledged $5 to feed a family of four for a day, i.e. 12 meals overall. The organisation partners with 270 food businesses, diverts edible, nutritious kai from going to waste, and delivers it to vulnerable communities.
By collecting and redistributing high-quality food and streamlining its operational costs, KiwiHarvest supports 220 recipient charities far lower than the Government's Healthy School Lunches Programme, which costs up to $8.62 for a single lunch and is under review.
Despite food deliveries increasing by 32 percent in 2023, which feeds approximately 40,000 people per week, they still need to address demand.
"Food assistance in our communities is more critical than ever. We hear from our recipient charities daily that they're experiencing the highest demand they've ever seen, with many new people turning to them for help, including middle-class, double-income households," said KiwiHarvest CEO Angela Calver.
Internationally acclaimed chef Peter Gordon is also a part of the KiwiHarvest Collective, a supergroup of chefs who support the cause.
"As a chef, I know firsthand the challenges of creating a nutritious meal with limited resources. We're seeing so many families doing it tough right now, so seeing how KiwiHarvest is tackling the issue is inspiring. I would struggle to produce a satisfying main meal of the day for a family of four with only $5, let alone providing breakfast and lunch on the same budget," said Gordon.
"Realistically, $5 isn't enough to buy healthy produce for three fulfilling mealtimes. Thankfully, KiwiHarvest can feed a family for a day with that same amount, which will make a noticeable difference to many families. We can't ignore this problem anymore but we can address food insecurity in our communities."
KiwiHarvest urges individuals and businesses to donate to its current appeal. KiwiHarvest partner HelloFresh has already stepped up to the plate and will match dollar for dollar all the donations that their customers raise through the website.
