New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) has teamed up with long-standing partner Nestlé New Zealand to tackle food insecurity with the introduction of a co-branded MAGGI Hearty One Pot Casserole meal base, available only at NZFN’s 65 Food Hubs, nationwide.

The MAGGI Hearty One Pot Casserole meal base is designed to make it easier for Kiwis to prepare nutritious meals for up to six people, using protein, vegetables and other pantry staples available to them at the Food Hubs.

The food that NZFN and its Food Hubs deliver to recipients can vary depending on the season, demand and stock levels at any one time, meaning a whānau will need to adapt their meal. The versatility of this meal base provides an easy, delicious solution for this.

The meal base, which is co-branded with NZFN’s logo, is made locally at Nestlé’s Wiri factory in Auckland as part of the Collective Supply Program and will provide over 200,000 servings for NZFN’s recipients.

Gavin Findlay, NZFN Chief Executive, says: “This is a meaningful initiative for vulnerable Kiwis that enables them to get the most out of their food support. We’re so grateful to the generosity and support of Nestlé, a true likeminded partner who understands the needs of the diverse groups we serve. It’s businesses like them that bring us closer to building more food resilient communities.”

Susan Catania, Nestlé New Zealand CEO, says: “Since partnering with NZFN in 2020, we’ve aimed to do more than donate products, we want to make a difference for the communities they support. That’s why we developed the MAGGI Hearty One Pot Casserole, making it easier for everyone to prepare a hearty, nutritious meal with what they receive in their food parcel.”

Beyond individual products, Nestlé’s contributions to NZFN span coffee, oats, seasoning sachets, treats and pet foods.

Over the past five years, Nestlé has donated more than 497,000 kg of food - the equivalent of over 1.1 million meals - creating a meaningful and lasting impact for those in need.

Ms Catania continued, “We believe wholeheartedly in NZFN’s mission of getting good food to where it’s needed most and are excited to continue innovating new ways to realise this.”

NZFN Food Hub Account Manager Courtney Clark, says: “At this time of year, it can be really tough to stretch the budget between rent, bills, groceries and gifts.”

“Having additional donations like the MAGGI Hearty One Pot Casserole come through will make it easier for our recipients to take care of themselves and their loved ones during this period.”