*Total numbers since July 2020. A meal is calculated at 450g.
- Globally an estimated one third of all the food we produce is lost or wasted between farm and fork each year. That’s 1.3 billion tonnes of food that is never eaten.
- 9% of New Zealand’s biogenic methane emissions and 4% of our total greenhouse gas emissions are from food and organic waste. Reducing food waste helps lower our greenhouse gas emissions, including emissions in the food production process, as well as emissions from the decomposition of food waste in landfill.
- One in five children in New Zealand live in households experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity. Redistributing good quality, surplus food to those who need it can have a positive impact on food security and community resilience. Business and households can save money, through better resource efficiency and planning.
2025 New Zealand
Food insecurity is widespread and persistent
One in three households (33%) reported experiencing some form of food insecurity in the past 12 months with nearly one in five (18%) experiencing severe food insecurity.
For many, this is a new challenge
68% of food insecure households reported that they first struggled to afford enough food within the last year.
That certain populations are more likely to face
Higher rates of insecurity reported by respondents identifying as Pacific peoples (64%), Māori (51%) and those aged 18-24 (50%)
Cost of living is the dominant driver of food insecurity
It was cited by 83% of food insecure households, and reduced or unstable income was also a significant factor
Awareness and access to food relief services remain uneven
Just over half of New Zealanders (54%) indicated they would know where to go if they needed food relief. Among food insecure households, fewer than half (44%) had ever accessed food relief from an organisation. Social stigma is a significant barrier to access for a lot of people
Kai With Love would not have been able to supply the quantity nor the quality of support these past 3 years had it not been for the amazing product and service we have received from NZFN. Recipients are increasingly amazed and delighted with the quality and variety, particularly meat, veg and dairy… it has literally changed lives for some of our most vulnerable recipients, especially single parent households and seniors. We are very grateful to your organisation for making this resource possible. God bless you all.
There is more desperation for food now as the rising cost of living has put a lot of pressure on our already vulnerable families here is the South Waikato Area. The organisations we work with are now receiving more and more requests for support for Food.
Without receiving food from NZFN we would find it really hard. Becoming a Food Hub has changed how our organisation is run and allows us to spend much needed funding elsewhere. The stock supplied is usually of good quality and being topped up over COVID was a huge blessing. Being able to be a part of food rescue is important to us, and our clients are overwhelmed with what they receive sometimes, especially the fresh produce from NZFN. The staff are always friendly, helpful and responsive to our needs.
Without your support our Foodbank would not be able to meet the demand. We appreciate your on-going help. Thank you so much.
IN THE NEWS
NZFN is making news. Here is the latest, hot off the press.
Food Security Snapshot March 2025
Food Hubs are now feeding over half a million Kiwis every month, yet stock levels stay the same – NZFN...
New Zealand Food Network appoints Suneil Connor as Board Chair
New Zealand Food Network (NZFN), the country's largest surplus food distributor, has elected Suneil Connor as its new Board Chair,...
NZFN’s ‘Pitch In’ campaign delivers over 200,000 meals to Kiwis in need
Running from World Food Day 2023 through World Food Day 2024, Pitch In well exceeded this target, filling the field...
REPORTS
Check out these resources to find out more about how NZFN is working to improve food security in New Zealand and get bulk surplus food to where it’s needed most.
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FROM HUBS & DONORS
Find out more about our current partnerships with Food Hubs and Food Donors right across New Zealand.
NZFN’s ‘Pitch In’ campaign delivers over 200,000 meals to Kiwis in need
The New Zealand Food Network (NZFN), Aotearoa’s largest ‘for-purpose’ food rescue and re-distribution organisation, proudly marks the successful conclusion of its 12-month Pitch In fundraising campaign
Joining Forces to Combat Menstrual Inequity with The Period Place
Food Hub Spotlight - Nelson Environment Centre
Mushrooms with a Mission - How Mercer Mushrooms is Supporting Kiwis Nationwide With Their Surplus
Kellanova - Creating Better Days™
Find out how Kellanova NZ streamlined their intentional donation program with NZFN to create 'better days' across New Zealand.
Food Hub Spotlight - Fair Food
Learn about the long term impact that donations to NZFN are making in the community through Auckland based Food Hub, Fair Food.
