Support for food costs
There are many reasons why people find themselves in financial difficulty and need emergency help. If your bills have suddenly risen, it can become harder to buy the food you and your whānau need. Here are some options.
On this page
Food grants
If you are on a benefit or a low income and urgently need help to buy food, you may be able to get an emergency food grant or a special needs grant from Work and Income. You do not have to pay the grant back.
Food — Work and Incomeexternal link
You can apply online through MyMSD or by contacting Work and Income.
Food banks
If you cannot get a grant from Work and Income, you may be able to get an emergency supply of groceries (a food parcel) from a local food bank. These are run by charities and rely on donations of fresh and packaged foods.
Find a food bank — Foodbank NZexternal link
You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for help from a food bank. The criteria depend on the food bank but may include:
- getting a letter of referral from Work and Income, a budgeting service, a church or the Citizens Advice Bureau or having a bank statement showing you are on a low income
- showing that you are getting budgeting help
- showing proof of your identity and address.
You may also be limited to a maximum number of food parcels per year.
Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can give you advice about getting help from a food bank near you.
Find a Citizens Advice Bureau — Citizens Advice Bureauexternal link
Pātaka kai
Pātaka kai are free open street pantries. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not have to make an appointment, fill in a form or meet criteria. Pātaka kai encourages neighbour helping neighbour. You take what you need and leave what you can.
Community Builders NZ Trust has a map showing locations of:
- pātaka kai
- community gardens
- fruit and nut trees
- foraging sites.