Farmers are quietly solving one of our biggest problems

At Meet the Need, our 2025 Impact Report shows what's possible when farmers take the lead in feeding our nation. In the past year, over 1.1 million meals were made possible - including more than 655,000 servings of meat and 540,000 servings of milk - all thanks to donations.

Farmers are already feeding the world. Now they're helping feed their own backyard. But this is about more than numbers. It's about a model that puts manaakitanga into action - connecting rural generosity with real need in our towns and cities, all without creating extra supply chains or waste.

Meet the Need was founded by farmers, for communities. We work within existing industry systems and organisations, making it easy for farmers to donate livestock and milk. Those donations are processed by partners like Silver Fern Farms, Miraka and Fonterra, then distributed to over 130 foodbanks, community guidelines and social supermarkets around the country.

Protein is one of the most sought-after and least available items for families facing food insecurity. What we're providing isn't just calories, it's nutrition, dignity, and hope. Every donation makes a tangible difference to families doing it tough.

This isn't charity in the traditional sense. It's a practical community-led solution to a growing national problem, powered by the people who produce the food in the first place. For many farmers, donating through Meet the Need is a simple decision: one cull cow, one bobby calf, or a few litres of milk that would have been sold can instead be used to nourish fellow Kiwis.

Over 1.1 million meals were delivered this year - all powered by rural generosity.

It's also good business for the heart. In a time where rural wellbeing is under pressure, we constantly hear from farmers that being part of Meet the Need gives them purpose. It's a way to give back, to stay connected to the communities beyond the farm, and to lead change in a way that feels authentic and impactful.

We're incredibly proud of the partnerships behind this work. From our processors to every one of our partners, supporters, grant funders and beyond, this is a team effort. Everyone involved shares a common belief: that no one in Aotearoa should go hungry, especially in a country that produces more than enough to feed our own.

And while we've come a long way, the demand is growing. The foodbanks we work with are seeing more working families, more elderly people, and more children going without. Food insecurity isn't something happening "somewhere else" - it's everywhere. And it's urgent.

Protein is the most needed, least available item in foodbanks. That's where Meet the Need steps in.

That's why we're calling on even more farmers to get involved. Donating through Meet the Need is straightforward and fully transparent. You know where your donation is going, and the impact it's having. Whether it's one animal or a few litres of milk, your contribution will feed real people; no waste, no middlemen, just direct support where it's needed most.

You don't have to be a farmer to get involved. If you're not on the land but want to help, you can donate directly - every dollar goes toward getting protein to the families who need it most.

To the farmers who've supported us already: Thank you. Your generosity has made a difference to thousands of families. And to those who haven't yet joined: We're here, we've made it easy, and your support has never mattered more.

At a time when many feel disconnected from solutions, Meet the Need offers something different - a way for rural New Zealand to lead with passion, pride, and purpose.

The food is already here.

The systems are in place.

All we need now is your help.

Zellara Holden is General Manager of Meet the Need, a farmer-founded, nationwide charity delivering meat and milk to foodbanks across NZ. Learn more or get involved at www.meettheneed.org.nz