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Food Secure Communities
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The Food Secure Communities programme supports the community food sector, who work alongside people and whānau experiencing food insecurity. Here you will find information about our programme and funding rounds, as well as guidance for community food providers.
MSD’s Food Secure Communities programme was established in 2020 and has invested more than $230 million in the community food sector.
A key focus for MSD is investment in national and regional food distribution infrastructure. This includes a network of community food hubs and food banks, supported by national partners (New Zealand Food Network, Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance, and Kore Hiakai) to increase food support and food provision capability in difficult times. Our infrastructure investment increases capacity and creates efficiencies in the distribution of food to communities.
The effectiveness of this has been shown in our recent evaluation which you can find here: Evaluation of the Food Secure Communities Programme - Ministry of Social Development
If you are looking for support with food for you or your whānau, then you may want to see if you are eligible for financial assistance.
You may also want to access food support from one of the many community food providers across New Zealand. Find the one nearest you by checking the Family Services Directory website
Food Secure Communities funding update - May 2026
Since 2020, MSD’s Food Secure Communities programme (FSC) has been supporting community food provision through establishing and maintaining a national and regional food distribution infrastructure.
Through Budget 2026 the Government is providing $8 million per year in baseline funding as a commitment to maintaining national and regional food distribution infrastructure, which has delivered significant efficiencies. An additional $7 million is allocated for 2026/27 to continue support for community food providers reflects the Government’s recognition that demand for food assistance remains high, driven by ongoing cost‑of‑living pressures, and that continued support is required across communities.
This funding will be available from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, and will be allocated to:
- $6.4 million for three national partners to maintain their operation at a national level,
- $1.5 million for up to 32 food hubs to maintain their food distribution infrastructure at a regional level,
- $6.0 million for up to 60 food providers to maintain their community food provision at the local level,
- $1.0 million for Food Security Initiatives that aim to increase community food resilience and self-sufficiency, and
- $100,000 for addressing areas of emerging needs.
We are currently finalising the process to engage with providers who are eligible to receive future funding. Due to the targeted nature of this funding, the Food Secure Communities team will be in touch with your organisation if you are eligible for funding. From 2027/28 onwards MSD will undertake a broader procurement process for baselined funding.
In 2025, MSD commissioned Allen + Clarke to conduct an independent evaluation to assess the effectiveness of FSC investment in food distribution infrastructure and community food provision. Findings indicate that the FSC investment has been effective in building a functioning food distribution infrastructure at national, regional and local levels. You can learn about these findings here: Evaluation of the Food Secure Communities Programme - Ministry of Social Development
All New Zealanders can continue to apply for Emergency Special Needs Grants for food. If families or individuals you are engaging with are finding it hard to meet certain living costs, or get an unexpected bill, they can either visit the MSD Work and Income website www.workandincome.govt.nz or call 0800 559 009 to talk with us about their situation.
If you have any questions about this funding, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at MSD_Food_Secure_Communities@msd.govt.nz
National partner organisations funding
The Ministry of Social Development is funding three national partner organisations to build sector capability and increase the supply of surplus food for providers.
The three organisations are:
- New Zealand Food Network
- Kore Hiakai Zero Hunger Collective
- Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance.
Resources and support for community food providers
Additional information is available about making referrals to:
- Making referrals to Work and Income
- Family Services Directory
- Just Kai? webinars
- Food Secure Communities Pānui.
- NZFN procurement services
- The Aotearoa Food Parcel Measure
- Food safety guidelines for the food rescue sector
Learn more about resources and support for community food providers
Contacting us
If any further help is required or you have any other queries, please contact us on msd_food_secure_communities@msd.govt.nz