Kiwi Families Trapped in Food Hardship

A new report from the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) reveals that food insecurity remains an entrenched crisis across Aotearoa, with pressure showing no sign of easing.

The findings come from NZFN’s second annual Hunger Monitor, conducted by Ipsos, which surveyed 3,000 New Zealanders between 27 July and 20 August 2026. The study confirms that nearly one third of households (31%) experienced food insecurity over the past year—a figure statistically unchanged from 2025.

According to the data:

• 14% faced moderate food insecurity, forced to compromise on food quality, variety, or nutrition.

• 17% suffered severe food insecurity, enduring disrupted eating patterns and frequently skipping meals.

• 66% of food-insecure households reported that their struggles began only within the last 12 months.

"Access to food should never be uncertain, yet food insecurity continues to be a significant and persistent issue affecting New Zealanders across the country—from the young family next door to the older retired couple down the street," says NZFN CEO Gavin Findlay.

A Heavy Health and Psychological Toll

The Hunger Monitor shows that the impact of hunger extends far beyond the kitchen table:

• Physical Health: 45% of severely food-insecure respondents rated their physical health as poor or fair, compared to just 19% of highly food-secure Kiwis.

• Mental Wellbeing: 54% of severely food-insecure individuals rated their mental health as poor or fair.

• Nutrition for Children: Nearly nine in ten (87%) food-insecure households say they can't afford balanced meals at least some of the time. In food-insecure homes with children, 58% were unable to afford balanced meals often (11%) or sometimes (47%).

"When you're constantly worrying about where the next meal comes from, it can wear down every part of your wellbeing," Findlay adds.

Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups

While food hardship touches communities nationwide, the burden falls heaviest on specific demographics:

"These are households already stretched to their absolute limit, with zero financial buffer to absorb a rent hike, energy bill, or price rise," Findlay explains.

Stigma Keeps Many From Getting Help

While 58% of New Zealanders now know where to access food support (up from 54% in 2025), only 23% of food-insecure households actually received formal aid in the past year.

Social stigma remains the primary obstacle preventing people from reaching out:

• 46% cited shame or embarrassment as the main reason they refrained from seeking help.

• 38% refrained because they believed others were in greater need.

• 37% were uncertain about their eligibility.

Even among those who received assistance, 30% reported the relief was insufficient to cover their basic household needs.

Findlay stresses that addressing the crisis requires urgent, collective action across government, industry, and local communities to break down social stigma and resource the support sector effectively.