NZ Food Network (NZFN) is proud to share our 2026 Annual Report, The Value of Getting Food to Where It's Needed Most, highlighting the impact made possible through the generosity of food donors, funding partners, volunteers, Food Hubs and community organisations across Aotearoa.
The report explores the many ways value is created when surplus food is redirected to communities instead of going to waste. While that value can be measured in kilograms of food distributed and meals provided, it is also reflected in stronger communities, reduced environmental impact, meaningful partnerships and the dignity that comes from ensuring people have access to good food.
Key Highlights from the 2026 Annual Report
Over the past year, NZFN distributed more than 7.3 million kilograms of food and household essentials, equivalent to 14.3 million meal equivalents, through a network of 65 Food Hubs reaching communities across New Zealand.
Other highlights include:
- Supporting 65 Food Hubs and an additional 162 community organisations.
- Helping donations reach more than 2,000 frontline organisations nationwide.
- Working with 165 product donors and welcoming 46 first-time donors.
- an estimated 15.7 million kilograms of CO₂ equivalent emissions through food rescue and redistribution.
- Delivering food and essential items for an average cost of just $0.36 per meal equivalent.
These achievements reflect the collective effort of businesses, charities, government, logistics providers and communities working together to address food insecurity and reduce food waste.
Food Security Remains a Significant Challenge
One of the most important developments during the year was the release of NZFN's inaugural Hunger Monitor research.
Conducted by Ipsos, the nationally representative survey found that one in three households experienced some form of food insecurity during the previous 12 months. The research also highlighted that food insecurity affects households across income levels and that many families experiencing food insecurity are doing so for the first time.
The findings reinforce why food support remains critically important and why collaboration across the food support ecosystem is essential.
Creating Value Through Partnerships
A central theme of this year's report is the power of partnership.
NZFN exists because businesses, growers, manufacturers, distributors, Food Hubs, volunteers, funders and community organisations are willing to work together to ensure good food reaches people rather than landfill.
Throughout the report, readers will find examples of innovative collaborations that created value for communities, including:
- More than 100,000 loaves of sourdough bread and fruit buns distributed through The Bread Project with Bread & Butter Bakery.
- A specially produced co-branded MAGGI One Pot Casserole meal base created by Nestlé New Zealand exclusively for NZFN.
- Emergency food support provided during severe weather events and local emergencies.
- A large-scale avocado rescue that enabled 42.6 tonnes of fruit to be recovered and distributed to communities following storm damage in the Bay of Plenty.
These stories demonstrate how food rescue and intentional donations can deliver both environmental and social benefits.
Thank You
None of this work happens in isolation.
We extend our sincere thanks to every donor, Food Hub, volunteer, funding partner, logistics provider and supporter who contributed to NZFN's mission during the past year. Your support helps us continue getting food to where it's needed most while creating positive outcomes for communities throughout Aotearoa.
Read the Full Report
We invite you to explore the stories, data and impact behind our work by reading the full report:
Download the NZ Food Network 2026 Annual Report
Together, we're transforming surplus into nourishment, reducing waste, and creating value for communities across New Zealand.