KidsCan launches urgent appeal as schools warn “crushing” pressure is pushing families to breaking point

In a recent survey of more than 400 KidsCan partner schools, 84% said families in their communities are under high or extreme financial pressure, either running out of money by the end of the week or surviving with little or nothing left by payday. 

Schools say the pressure is no longer limited to the most vulnerable families, with growing numbers of households now struggling to afford food, fuel and other essentials. 

One school surveyed by KidsCan said: “There is a high level of my students eating at school and telling me that their next meal will be at school the following day.” 

Food support emerged as the most commonly identified area of increased need, with schools reporting more children arriving hungry and depending on schools for their next meal. 

With more than half of schools surveyed expecting student need to increase further this winter, KidsCan is calling on New Zealanders to help meet growing demand as colder weather places additional pressure on already stretched households. 

“Right now, one in five New Zealand children are living in households where food regularly runs out, or where families are struggling to afford enough food to get through the week,” says KidsCan Founder and CEO, Julie Chapman. 

“What schools are describing is no longer short-term hardship. Many families are now living under constant financial pressure, with no room to absorb another setback.  

Chapman says the reality facing many families this winter means support will be more important than ever.  

“Through our 20 for 20 appeal, we’re asking New Zealanders who can afford it to donate just $20 to help support the 20% of Kiwi children living with food insecurity,” she says. 

“We know many New Zealanders are feeling the pressure too, and we’re seeing that reflected in a drop in ongoing regular giving at a time demand for support is continuing to grow. 

“But for those who are able to give, we need your support more than ever.” 

To help provide food and essentials for children facing hardship this winter, donate to KidsCan’s 20 for 20 appeal at www.kidscan.org.nz.  

KidsCan supports more than 1,400 schools and early childhood centres across New Zealand, providing food, jackets, shoes and health items to help remove barriers to learning for children affected by poverty.