The New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) is celebrating five years of providing a crucial link in Aotearoa’s food support chain, a milestone marked by a generous five-tonne donation of beef mince from ANZCO Foods.
Founded in July 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NZFN was created with urgency to address soaring food insecurity across the country. In a matter of days, with the support of the Ministry of Social Development, it established a national network to tackle the dual issues of food waste and hunger.
Today, as the cost of living continues to rise, the network’s work is more critical than ever. The latest Food Price Index reports a 4.6% increase in food prices in the year to June, putting immense pressure on families.
Since its inception, the NZFN has redistributed 35 million kilograms of food, an amount equivalent to 79 million meals, to Kiwis in need. This has also prevented 55 million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions from being released into the atmosphere. The organisation operates by collecting surplus and donated food from corporate and food production partners, then distributing it to 64 partner food hubs, which in turn supply foodbanks, social supermarkets, and community groups.
To mark its fifth birthday, the NZFN has launched a “5th Birthday Wishlist” to encourage its donor partners to gift much-needed items. The list includes essential goods such as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and hygiene products. The first donation, a substantial five tonnes of beef mince, was made by ANZCO Foods. The donation, which equates to 10,000 standard packs or 40,000 meals, will be split between the Auckland and Christchurch distribution centres to serve communities in both the North and South Islands.
Peter Conley, CEO of ANZCO Foods, said the company was proud to contribute to the wishlist. “At ANZCO Foods, we see ourselves as more than a food producer,” he said. “We’re committed to supporting the well-being of all New Zealanders, and that starts with access to quality nutrition. We’re proud to support NZFN’s Birthday Wishlist and help connect our premium beef mince to hungry families across Aotearoa.” ANZCO Foods has been a long-time supporter of the NZFN, having donated almost 50 tonnes of food since 2020. The company also provides recipe cards to help families make nourishing meals with the donated mince.
Gavin Findlay, Chief Executive of the NZFN, reflected on the organisation’s journey. “Five years ago, we set out to help everyone access nutritious, high-quality food no matter who, or where they are,” he said. “Thanks to the generosity of our amazing partners, the dedication of our Food Hubs, and the support of donors, we’ve been able to work towards building more food-secure communities throughout the country.”
Despite these successes, Findlay stressed that the demand for support has not eased. “Food insecurity remains a daily reality for far too many Kiwis,” he said. “The demand for support hasn’t eased since the pandemic—if anything, it’s grown as more families face rising costs and tough sacrifices every day. The work is far from done.”
As the NZFN looks to the next five years, Findlay hopes to see more businesses, growers, and individuals join the movement to help create a food-secure New Zealand. The organisation has become an integral part of the country’s food support system, but its work, which is often carried out behind the scenes, is becoming increasingly vital.