A farmer-led initiative is helping feed the needy across the country.

Meet the Need is now in its fifth year of “joining the dots” between farmers who want to donate milk, meat, or money to foodbanks and similar community groups.

Just one litre of milk can provide four serves of dairy for someone in need, says general manager Zellara Holden.

“Around 2.4 per cent of New Zealand’s total milk production is required to feed our whole country per year.

“If dairy farmers could donate one litre per cow, every year, we could all help change the face of food insecurity in this country by giving important nutrients to those bearing the brunt of food insecurity.

“It’s the collective that makes a difference, and together we have the power to nourish New Zealanders who need it most.”

Zellara says produce, in the form of mince and milk, is donated by farmers and put into the hands of those already on the “front lines of food insecurity” in this country - foodbanks and community organisations.

“Foodbanks already know the needs of their local community, and it’s through them that mince and milk is given to families that need it.”

Through its partnerships with Fonterra and Miraka, donated milk is processed and distributed. Likewise, Zellara says Silver Fern Farms plays a crucial role in turning donated livestock - cattle, sheep, or deer - into premium-quality mince.

“Meat is one of the most requested items by foodbanks, as it is often an expense that families in need cannot afford.”

Balanced meals

Zellara says the inclusion of meat in food parcels helps families enjoy balanced meals they would otherwise go without, stretches their food supplies, and provides essential protein.

The feedback from foodbanks is one of immense gratitude, with many calling the inclusion of quality protein “a game changer”.

“We know that being able to provide meat into our food parcels is literally changing people’s lives, giving them nutrition that they are missing out on otherwise.”

She says by regularly including meat in food parcels, these donations help address nutritional gaps and improve the overall health of recipients, ensuring individuals, families, and communities have access to nourishing meals.

Since its formation, Meet the Need has supplied 2.1 million mince and milk meals to families in need and supported more than 130 foodbanks and community organisations nationwide.

However, there is a waiting list of a similar number.

Matamata Community Foodbank is one of those on board with the programme.

Co-ordinator Janene Wilcox says the quality of food is great and those from the Meet the Need organisation are very easy to deal with.

The long-lasting UHT milk meets everyone’s circumstances, she says.

“We are truly grateful.”

About 2000 farmers have been involved in Meet the Need since it was initiated, says Zellara Holden. But, with more support, the organisation can further its mission to ensure no New Zealander goes hungry.

Volunteers wanted

Meet the Need is also on the lookout for volunteers to help achieve its goals through a Champion programme.

Zellara says this is an opportunity for people across the country to become involved with Meat the Need, drive donations and, most importantly, help fill the fridges and freezers of their local food banks.

Champions represent the charity at events and field days, look for donation-giving opportunities and networking with farmers.

Coast & Country News caught up with Matamata Champion Georgie van Heuven at the Meet the Need site covered by Zellara Holden and stakeholder liaison Danielle Williams at the recent NZ Dairy Expo in Matamata.

Meet the Need stakeholder liaison Danielle Williams, left, with Matamata Champion Georgie van Heuven at the NZ Dairy Expo. Photo / Steve Edwards

Georgie, a 50/50 sharemilker with husband Glenn, says she learnt about Meet the Need online two years ago.

“We get a lot of requests for sponsorship or donations but felt that this is such a great initiative.”

The van Heuvens donated via the Meet the Need website and have continued to support the programme.

Georgie says she went on to become a Champion to raise awareness about Meet the Need among farmers and rural business in the Matamata area.

“It’s really not asking a lot, with a hundred per cent of what is given going to the foodbanks,” she says.

Georgie says she was inducted into Meet the Need and given the tools and support she needed to be a Champion.

Along with NZ Dairy Expo, she has also promoted the charity via Farm Source Matamata.

Farmers have options to choose which month to donate and do a one-off or a recurring milk donation.

Donations can be made through the Meet the Need website, while rural businesses can also back the initiative by joining the host organisation’s Rural Business Supporters’ Scheme.