The New Zealand Food Network (NZFN) is celebrating five years of transforming the country’s food support ecosystem and people in need with tonnes of donated beef.
Celebrating their birthday month, NZFN’s Birthday Wishlist included most-needed goods including meat and fish, dairy, eggs, fruits and vegetables, hygiene products and more.
The very first gift was provided by ANZCO Foods, a beef and lamb producer, delivering five tonnes of beef mince. With protein being one of the most in-demand items for Food Hubs, the donation equates to 10,000 standard packs of mince or 40,000 meals.
Out of the whole meat donation, three tonnes will go to the Auckland distribution centre to service the North Island, and two tonnes going to the Christchurch distribution centre for the South Island.
“At ANZCO Foods, we see ourselves as more than a food producer,” said chief executive officer at ANZCO Foods, Peter Conley.
“We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of all New Zealanders, and that starts with access to quality nutrition.
“We’re proud to support NZFN’s Birthday Wishlist and help connect our premium beef mince to hungry families across Aotearoa.”
Since 2020, ANZCO Foods has donated almost 50 tonnes of food to support NZFN’s Food Hubs. The company also provides recipe cards in the food parcels to help families turn their beef mince into nourishing meals.
Over five years, NZFN has become integral to Aotearoa’s food support industry. They have:
- Distributed 35 million kilograms of food – that’s the equivalent of over 79 million meals.
- Prevented 55 million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere.
- Partnered with 64 Food Hubs who collectively serve over half a million people per month.
“Five years ago, we set out to help everyone access nutritious, high-quality food no matter who, or where they are,” said chief executive officer of NZFN Gavin Findlay.
“Thanks to the generosity of our amazing partners, the dedication of our Food Hubs, and the support of donors, we’ve been able to work towards building more food secure communities throughout the country.”