Winter Appeal 2025

This winter, we’re inviting our community to ‘sponsor a local kid’. Thanks to generous supplier discounts and donations, and bulk-buying power, we can provide grocery support for a full day of meals for a child for just $6 a day. That is about the price of buying a coffee at a café.

“It makes me really sad that things have deteriorated so badly for so many people,” says Nicki Goodwin, General Manager of Tauranga Community Foodbank.

“We’re helping so many new people who never thought they’d need to access an organisation like a foodbank.”

And the need is real. One in seven children in New Zealand lives in a household experiencing material hardship, according to Stats NZ. That means going without things many of us take for granted - like heating, doctor’s visits, fresh fruit and veges, or even enough food in the cupboard.

Housing pressures are making things even harder. While average household incomes have risen by 6.5 percent, rising rent and mortgage costs are outpacing those gains. Both renters and homeowners are struggling to stay afloat - stretching already tight budgets until there’s just nothing left for groceries.

"Hunger isn’t just about missing a meal - it impacts everything,” says Nicki.

“A child who isn’t properly nourished struggles to focus, to retain information, and to fully engage with their learning. Their bodies and minds are constantly trying to catch up, but they shouldn’t have to. Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and dream without the weight of hunger holding them back."

“We know lots of people are finding it tough, so please look after yourselves first. But if you can spare any money this winter, we would love your help to help our local kids.”

Together, we can warm hearts and fill tummies this winter.