"Just everything costs so much" - lived experiences of food insecurity in NZ

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-06-29 03:00

New Zealand

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Researchers interviewed six sole-parent women who had experienced food insecurity, and also looked at national data on the issue. The mothers' lived experience gave insights into the reasons behind the food insecurity, and showed the stress and sense of shame associated with needing help to feed their children. Having a low income relative to the cost of living was identified as the root cause. Coping strategies - such as careful budgeting, borrowing money, relying on food donations, and being resourceful with food - and personal sacrifices like regularly missing meals in favour of their children proved inadequate. Sometimes they simply didn't have enough money to cover essential household costs. Weekends and school holidays provided an extra challenge. The authors say there is urgent need for social policy reform to ensure food security for all families in New Zealand.