Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government is putting a further $6 million towards food banks, saying demand is high - particularly in communities affected by extreme weather events.
The funding is being added to the Food Secure Communities programme, set up during the pandemic.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni said the government had since July 2021 provided more than $150m in emergency funding to support community food providers.
"This time-limited funding was necessary to ensure all New Zealanders could access food during the pandemic. It was the first time government had ever provided direct support to community food providers in this way, and it's made a real difference for our most vulnerable," she said.
"Demand for food support, particularly in communities impacted by the extreme weather events, remains higher than it was prior to Covid-19.
"This boost in funding aims to help community food providers continue their mahi during this period of high demand."
Speaking to media after the weekly Cabinet meeting in prime minister Chris Hipkins' absence, Sepuloni as acting prime minister said the funding would be available over six months but could be topped up if needed.
"This funding over the next six months will help ease the transition from the one-off Covid funding, back to baseline. We'll be keeping an eye on the need in the sector and respond further if required."
Priority would be given to those working in high-demand regions like Auckland, Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay, she said.
