One in three households are struggling to provide affordable, nutritious meals, a new survey finds.
The survey of 3000 people between July and August 2026 was commissioned by the New Zealand Food Network - which collects, sorts and redistributes bulk surplus food to more than 60 charities.
Of those surveyed, 31% said their household experienced food insecurity in the past year, a figure statistically unchanged from the 2025 survey.
New Zealand Food Network chief executive Gavin Findlay said food hardship had become a reality for far too many families.
"Access to food should never be uncertain, yet food insecurity continues to be a significant and persistent issue affecting New Zealanders across the country, from the young family next door to the older retired couple down the street," he said.
"The latest Hunger Monitor findings highlight, once again, the need for continued support from government, businesses and the community to ensure food reaches those who need it most."
In the survey, 14% of respondents said they faced moderate food insecurity (forced to compromise on quality, variety, or nutrition) while 17% suffered severe food insecurity (enduring disrupted eating patterns and frequently skipping meals).
Almost half of those experiencing severe food insecurity rated their physical health as poor or fair, and 54% of that group rated their mental health as poor or fair.
In contrast, food-secure New Zealanders were vastly more likely to describe their mental wellbeing as good, very good, or excellent.
"The Hunger Monitor shows the physical and mental health toll facing many food-insecure New Zealanders," Findlay said.
"When you're constantly worrying about where the next meal comes from, it can wear down every part of your wellbeing."
The survey found the burden continued to fall heaviest on single parents, Pacific communities, disabled Kiwis, and renters.
Social stigma remained the biggest obstacle for people seeking help, Findlay said.
Awareness of food support services had slightly improved on the 2025 survey, with 58% of people now knowing where to turn for help - up from 54%.
Despite this, just 23% of struggling households received formal food support in the past year.
For those who did receive support, 30% reported that the relief was insufficient to cover their household's basic needs.
"If you don't measure something it's very hard to do something about it. Food should be one of those things that is a fundamental right for a human being. We have to have an environment where people have got access to sufficient nutritious food," Findlay said.
