12819 (2026). Oriini Kaipara to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

12819 (2026). Oriini Kaipara to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: What criteria, if any, are used by the Ministry of Social Development to assess eligibility for funding for food banks and community food providers?

Hon Louise Upston: Since 2020, there has been a variety of funding rounds for Food Secure Communities with different funding criteria. As funding through Budget 2025 was intended to support the maintenance of the existing community food distribution infrastructure, a closed procurement approach was taken. Prior to running the procurement process, due diligence was undertaken to ensure providers continued to deliver an effective community food service. Further information about Food Secure Communities funding rounds can be found on MSD’s website: www.msd.govt.nz/what-we-can-do/community/food-secure-communities/community-food-response-funding.html.