Visionwest has an enduring commitment to see whānau become food secure. Despite Food Insecurity being a significant factor in our communities, we remain resolute in our approach to providing goods and support that minimise it’s effects. Our food support services in Whai Manaaki Kai provide a range of options for families and individuals in West Auckland who find themselves in hunger-related hardship. Demand for these services unfortunately continues to rise.
“Growing, harvesting, preparing, and sharing kai is one of the most basic, relational, and connecting activities on earth.”
Growing, harvesting, preparing, and sharing kai is one of the most basic, relational, and connecting activities on earth. Tragically, food insecurity is an issue with a long history in Aotearoa. The challenge of maintaining equitable access to food is one of the primary reasons our whānau reach out for support. The escalating costs of living and food prices in our time continue a trajectory where hunger-related hardship is rising. The whānau we serve are struggling to cope with the rising inflation which forces them into difficult decisions such as choosing between buying food and paying bills, filling the car or stocking the pantry, purchasing fresh produce or supplying essential items like shoes or uniforms for their loved ones. We firmly believe whānau shouldn’t have to make such choices.
Weekly Fruit and Veggies Bags
Our Holistic Approach
Our approach to kai support has always been a holistic one, balancing urgency of need with depth of relationship. Our goal is always to facilitate a transformative shared journey of connection and support that leads to sustainable food access for all. At Visionwest Whai Manaaki Kai, this approach takes these forms:
- Manaaki Kai is our low-cost social supermarket, offering shoppers a highly affordable option and the ability to select from a wide range of items to suit the size and need of their whānau.
- Pātaka Kai is our free food parcel service where we share from a smaller selection of kai that varies depending on availability.
- In addition to these services, we also offer weekly Visionwest Fruit & Veggie Bags for just $16, and a weekly free community lunch called Te Kapu.
Te Kapu Community Lunch
A New Development
In response to the increasing number of whānau seeking support, as of January 2026 we have moved to a booking-only system for Pātaka Kai. This was not only a practical matter to do with capacity, but also deeply aligns with the values we are committed to. In particular, it will help us to:
- manage demand more safely and sustainably, ensuring whānau receive the care, respect, and quality support they deserve.
- reduce long queues and create space for more meaningful kōrero with whānau who may need advocacy or referrals to other services we provide.
- embody our values of manaakitanga and aroha to the whānau we serve and our hardworking kaimahi.
The Pātaka will also operate with a Choice Model, enabling whānau to exercise autonomy and dignity by selecting the kai that best meets their needs.
Manaaki Kai, Social Supermarket
Quantity of Kai & Quality of Care
No model is ever perfect, and there will always be limits to the quantity of food we can safely share with our communities. But we remain committed to our values and place the highest priority on quality of relationship. Facilitating spaces of aroha, kōrero, collaboration, and transformation on the road to long-term sustainability.
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We are here to help. We understand that many whānau find themselves financially stretched at times. During those times, help with food support can make a big difference. Whai Manaaki Kai is Visionwest’s way of caring for whānau in our communities who need support with food, nourishment and other issues relating to food supply. If you are in West Auckland and need kai support, please do get in touch.
Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga also assists whānau in times of hardship through the provision of support services that include navigational support, community housing, youth development programmes, counselling, financial mentoring, community healthcare, trauma informed care, and early childhood education. Please check out our website for more information.
It also takes a village to care for a community, and we love partnering with others to make a difference. We are grateful for our corporate and community partners who generously give time, funds and goods to support our work. If you would like to donate, volunteer or get involved to support this kaupapa, we’d love to hear from you.