Foodstuffs’ commitment to be ‘Here for New Zealand’
With a presence at the heart of communities all over the country, Foodstuffs has always been closely connected with the lives of New Zealanders. The events of 2020 have heightened the New Zealand owned and operated co- operative’s focus on identifying the challenges New Zealanders are facing and offering support where it’s needed.
That dedication to helping look after New Zealand and everyone who lives here has seen the launch of
‘ Here for NZ’ across the Foodstuffs brands, which include New World, PAK’n’SAVE, Four Square, Gilmours and Trents, bringing to life Foodstuffs’ four social promises: creating meaningful work, providing sustainable leadership, delivering access to healthy affordable food and supporting local communities.
Because the stores are locally owned and operated, store owners know where the need is in their communities. Last year, stores contributed $ 7.4 million to local schools, community organisations, food banks and food rescue organisations.
When this year’s Covid- 19 pandemic hit, it became clear the need was greater than ever. Foodstuffs responded by setting up an emergency support fund with a focus on ensuring New Zealanders had access to healthy affordable food during lockdown and the months following, when jobs and incomes continued to be affected.
CEO of Foodstuffs North Island Chris Quin says delivering that support was the catalyst for ‘ Here for NZ’.
“We soon realised this
wasn’t going to be a short sharp economic or financial shock. Covid- 19 and its aftermath is something New Zealand and the wider global community are going to be dealing with for potentially years to come.”
Building on the $ 1.3 million distributed from the Covid- 19 emergency support fund and annual local store giving, over the next 12 months Foodstuffs have at least a further $ 600,000 of contributions in the pipeline to support organisations who are specifically focused on providing access to healthy affordable food, or helping those who have been impacted by the economic consequences of Covid- 19.
CEO of Foodstuffs South Island Steve Anderson
says after talking with City Missions, food banks and food rescue partners around the country, it became clear that access to healthy and affordable food is an issue for a growing number of people.
“Many New Zealand families are struggling to make ends meet and connecting with organisations who are experts in reaching those most in need is the single most effective way we can make a meaningful difference.”
Auckland City Mission Chief Executive Chris Farrelly, says uncertainty about the future and not knowing what further challenges are around the corner is a major concern for many Kiwis.
“The ongoing support and product we generously receive from Foodstuffs enables us to look after New Zealanders who are struggling to make ends meet. We can’t do what we do without the support of companies and individuals, particularly as we head into Christmas.”
Happiness House in Queenstown is seeing an increased need for the range of support services it provides to people living in the Wakatipu area. The worldwide effects of Covid- 19 have hit the locality hard with job losses and many are struggling to make ends meet. Manager Robyn Francis says “Foodstuffs’ support means
we have a regular supply of fresh and healthy food. They’ve seen there’s a need and identified how they can support us in a very practical way.”
Francis says fresh, healthy food is often the first thing people economise on, which has a negative impact on their overall health and well- being.
“A healthy body means a healthy mind. If you’re healthy you feel more optimistic about your situation which helps promote good mental health.”
Charitable organisation Sweet Louise provides practical support for New Zealanders
affected by incurable breast cancer and is another recipient of ‘ Here for NZ’ support. CEO Catrin Devonald says many people find themselves in a challenging financial situation after having to stop work following a diagnosis. Often their first thought is about how they will be able to feed their families and being able to give them emergency supermarket vouchers relieves some of that pressure.
“It’s direct support that really makes a massive difference,” she says.