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.”
European milk processors are eyeing more cheese and milk powder exports into South America following a landmark trade agreement signed last month.
Two European dairy co-operatives are set to merge and create a €14 billion business.
DairyNZ's Kirsty Verhoek ‘walks the talk’, balancing her interests in animal welfare, agricultural science and innovative dairy farming.
"We at Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and you at Dairy News said over six months ago that the dairy industry would bounce back, and it has done so with interest.”
Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer Karen Williams is the new chief executive of Irrigation New Zealand.
Whole milk powder prices on Global Dairy Trade (GDT) remains above long run averages and a $10/kgMS milk price for the season remains on the card, says ASB senior economist Chris Tennent-Brown.
OPINION: The end-of-year booze-up at the posh Northern Club in Auckland must have been a beauty, as the legal 'elite'…
OPINION: It divides opinion, but the House has passed the first reading of the Gene Technology Bill.