Demand for food support increases
New findings from not-for-profit food supply and distribution organization, the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) have revealed a 42% increase in demand for food support in 2023 compared to 2022.
Sanitarium has announced it will increase its donations of Weet-Bix to New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) by 50%.
The brand aims to help feed vulnerable communities and families facing food insecurity.
NZFN will receive 2.4 million breakfasts, or 99,144 packets of Weet-Bix, from Sanitarium throughout 2023.
Sanitarium NZ general manager, Robert Scoines, says that providing nutritious and affordable food for Kiwis has been the company’s mission and purpose “for generations”.
“The New Zealand Food Network does amazing work for communities and Sanitarium is proud to share in their journey to support those in need. It’s a partnership we value immensely,” Scoines says.
“Through our donation, we want to encourage New Zealanders to eat more nourishing foods like wholegrains, and in turn, enrich our local communities by providing healthy and familiar options, especially in times of need.”
NZFN says the act of goodwill is deeply appreciated as the food network makes its efforts to redistribute food to over 60 food hubs to reach communities across New Zealand.
“We are extremely grateful for this pledge and the wider ongoing support from Sanitarium,” says NZFN chief executive, Gavin Findlay. “It’s such a meaningful, active commitment and will assist greatly in scaling up our operations to feed those in need.”
“Now more than ever, we appreciate how Sanitarium is always quick to respond to unexpected events and donate additional products to alleviate some of the stresses communities are facing during these tough times,” Findlay says.
72% of NZFN’s recipient food banks and charities are feeding more people now than in December 2020.
NZFN’s recent food hub survey found demand for food support rise by 165% since the start of Covid-19 in January 2020.
“Receiving familiar household brands like Weet-Bix in their food parcels is reassuring and empowering to the Kiwis we serve,” says Findlay. “Even better, this food is not surplus, damaged, or nearing its expiry date. Instead, it arrives in perfect condition, gifted by Sanitarium in the name of creating a more food secure Aotearoa.”
Farmlands says that improved half-year results show that the co-op’s tight focus on supporting New Zealand’s farmers and growers is working.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says that discovery of a male Oriental fruit fly on Auckland’s North Shore is a cause for concern for growers.
Fonterra says its earnings for the 2025 financial year are anticipated to be in the upper half of its previously forecast earnings range of 40-60 cents per share.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is having another crack at increasing the fees of its chair and board members.
Livestock management tech company Nedap has launched Nedap New Zealand.
An innovative dairy effluent management system is being designed to help farmers improve on-farm effluent practices and reduce environmental impact.
OPINION: Ruth Richardson, architect of the 1991 ‘Mother of all Budgets’ and the economic reforms dubbed ‘Ruthanasia’, added her two…
OPINION: Why do vegans and others opposed to eating meat try to convince others that a plant based diet is…