Across Aotearoa New Zealand communities are working together to support those who do not have access to healthy nutritious affordable food. We have responded to this in a variety of ways, from Māra kai or community gardens, Pātaka Kai, regular community meals as well as more traditional Foodbanks offering food parcels, budgeting support and more. The organisations in the map above fit into these categories.

While our map is comprehensive, it is not exhaustive and we’d encourage you to look at the Ministry of Social Development’s Community Food Services Directory here.

Food bank

A foodbank is where food (usually non- perishable items) and household items (cleaning products, toiletries etc), and in some cases, perishable items (fresh produce, bread etc) are stored and distributed to whānau and individuals in need by way of a food parcel. Food Parcels are usually distributed after an assessment (formally or informally) of need.

The Salvation Army has welfare centres across Aotearoa that provide food assistance. See their map available here.

Community Supermarket /
Fruit & vege co-op

Fruit and vege co-ops and community supermarkets operate on a social enterprise model where people become members and are able to purchase fresh produce and other foodstuffs, at heavily discounted prices.

Community Meals

Sharing kai, developing relationships and creating community is at the heart of preparing and serving community meals. There are numerous ways of providing meals in the community - from delivery of frozen meals to people at their home, through to preparing and sitting down together to share a meal with others, in a community facility.

Bellyful delivers meals to whānau with tamariki across Aotearoa. A map of their branch locations is available here.