The Co-op is in a unique position to help Kiwis struggling to put food on their tables.
A survey of food support agencies across the country last year found demand was up 165%.
Meat the Need and Feed Out is a farmer-led charitable organisation that supplies milk donated by Fonterra and Miraka suppliers, and ground beef donated by Silver Fern Farms suppliers to more than 115 food banks around New Zealand.
Meat the Need and Feed Out works with farmers across New Zealand to provide a consistent supply of protein to foodbanks. More than two million meals have been delivered since it was established in July 2020.
Demand for its services has increased dramatically in the past year and it currently has more than 110 food banks and community organisations on its wait-list for donations.
“As a nation we produce so much food and yet many Kiwis are still going hungry. Food poverty doesn’t discriminate. We have elderly, families with young children, and working couples using food banks. Fonterra have been incredible supporters of Meat the Need and Feed Out by producing milk powder for distribution to communities in need. We are unique in that 100% of our milk and mince donations go to those in need,” Meat the Need and Feed Out General Manager Zellara Holden says.
“It’s a tough environment out there for everyone at the moment – particularly in the rural sector, but if we all pitch in a little, we can make a big difference. For example, if every Co-op farmer donated 1 litre of milk per cow per year, we would be able to provide thousands more Kiwis with a plentiful supply of nutritious milk that they would otherwise not have.”
Meat the Need and Feed Out is running a fundraising drive to help meet the increasing demand for its services. By texting “FEED” to 2662, people can donate $3 to the charity.
Alternatively, Co-op farmers can donate through their Farm Source Rewards, or donate milk and livestock by simply filling out an online form.
How to donate
- Visit the Meat the Need and Feed Out website and fill in the Donate form – choose from Donate Milk, Donate Livestock or Donate Funds.
- Fill in the donation form including your Supply Number, quantity of donation, month(s) you would like to donate milk, and frequency of donation.
- Meat the Need and Feed Out will then work with Fonterra to action your donation.
For more info visit meattheneed.org