Despite impressions that the impacts of COVID were retreating, this survey and report reveal that financial hardship remains high, with whānau finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet – 62% of respondents reported running out of food every week.
This report defines food insecurity and unveils the constant dilemma faced by many people such as Lena whose story is told and who must constantly ask, “Do I pay my overdue power bill, or do I buy food? Should I book a much-needed medical appointment for my son, or should I spend that money on groceries?
Results of living in financial hardship are also revealed with the level of stress experienced by those going through a tough time being significant – a third of respondents admitted to living in constant stress about their ability to feed themselves and their family.
The report concludes with a discussion of some of the systemic issues that have led to the financial hardship and food insecurity faced by so many. We hope it will open the eyes of those who read it to the hardships, and their possible causes, faced by many New Zealanders.