In recent months, Meat the Need & Feed Out, a charity connecting farmers and food producers with struggling families across New Zealand has rebranded and had a change of leadership.
The charity, now called Meet the Need, has expanded its focus to encompass a wider range of food-protein items.
“The move from “Meat” to “Meet” signals inclusivity, ensuring the charity can support more Kiwis with more accessible protein,” says newly appointed Chair Nick Fisher.
“Since its inception in 2020, the charity has become synonymous with supplying fresh mince and milk to food-insecure New Zealanders, now we are seeking to broaden its impact under one unified brand.”
“Food insecurity isn’t always visible. You don’t know who needs a little extra help putting dinner on the table,” he says. “It could be your neighbour, someone at your child’s school, or a member of your community who needs access to nutritious food. The ability to provide quality protein to those in need is absolutely vital.”
Statistics from the Salvation Army show one in four households in New Zealand are unable to provide their children with enough food.
Meet the Need, led by and with the support of many farmers, has already achieved a lot but there is more to be done.
Meet the Need has delivered over 2.3 million mince and milk meals in its first four years of operation. Over 130 food banks and community organisations are supplied on a monthly basis, however a further 100 are on a waiting list.
“Our farmers are incredibly generous in giving back to their communities,” says Fisher.
“Unfortunately, many hard-working Kiwis still struggle to make ends meet and we’re in need of additional support. With a donation of one lamb we’re able to provide 111 mince meals, and with one cattle 555 meals. That’s a lot of protein-rich, nutritious meals we can provide to those in need.”
“I encourage farmers who have the capacity to donate and get behind our work to help nourish New Zealand,” he adds.
More information about donating livestock is available on the Meet the Need website.