Southland farmers donate to food banks
Southland food banks and community organisations have been blessed with more than 23,000 donated mince meals over three years, thanks to the generosity of the region’s farmers and rural businesses.
Farmer-led charity Meat the Need is one of the organisations battling to change the face of food insecurity in New Zealand since 2020, by distributing a consistent supply of protein meals to 110 food banks and community organisations nationwide.
Supporting six in the Southland region through Invercargill, Gore, Winton and Fiordland, farmers and businesses can donate livestock, milk and cash which is then processed into mince and milk meals and distributed to food banks.
The Winton Food Bank, run by Let’s Link Committee with representatives from local churches, the community, and the Winton Community Support Worker said the mince donations were “a blessing”.
“Meat is a great source of protein, however it can be expensive for families on a tight budget,” Anna Ellis, The Salvation Army Winton Corps Leader said.
“Meat is always a welcome addition to our food parcels and enables us to provide a balanced support parcel.”
With food parcel requests quadrupling over the past 12 months, she said the committee is incredibly thankful for the generous support that ensures the Food Bank remains operational.
Southland’s Meat the Need volunteer champion Megan Thomas said it’s extremely rewarding to see the impact that donations have in the region.
“It’s all part of being a community, giving back and reinforcing the fact that no one should go hungry in New Zealand,” she said. “Being a farmer myself, we raise such a great product, put so much pride into raising it and all New Zealanders should have access to this incredible protein source that is produced right here.”
Thomas is a volunteer ambassador for the charity, working full time as a Customer Support Specialist at Techion.
She’s also passionate about helping to change perceptions and remove judgement for those who are accessing food support. “It could be the likes of your local kindy teacher or mechanic who are struggling to put food on the table. A lot of people are doing it tough out there and they could be the ones seeking that assistance, it’s not just the most vulnerable in our communities anymore.”
She hopes to raise awareness of Meat the Need and food insecurity in Southland this year, get more farmers involved and host fundraising events in a bid to try and meet the region’s demand.
“It’s really rewarding to see how many farmers are getting behind the charity, even though times are really tough financially on farm as well,” she said.
“Every little bit counts whether it’s a small donation or a big one, a cattle beast or cash, it’s the collective that makes a difference. Even if you donate the price of your coffee once, you’re still helping those who are struggling to put food on their table.”
More information can be found and donations made at meattheneed.org.