Jul 25, 2025

Food Ladders

We’re thrilled to introduce a new framework designed to tackle the complex challenges of food insecurity across Aotearoa.
This approach focuses on strengthening long-term food security by connecting individuals and whānau to wraparound food and non-food support services through a referral-based model.

At the heart of this framework is Food Ladders—an evidence-based strategy that uses food as a tool to build resilience and foster community connection. Rather than simply filling the gap of missing food, Food Ladders works to remove local barriers and ensure that every “rung” on the ladder is accessible. It offers a diverse range of food supports so that everyone can access the nourishment they need.

Our vision is to create inclusive communities where healthy food is available to all—regardless of age, ethnicity, income, or ability—by providing a mix of high-cost, low-cost, and free food options tailored to meet varying needs.

Food Ladder Chart

Title	Description	Activities	Family Pathway	Monitoring & Evaluation
Rung 1: Catching – Caring for People	Supports individuals and whānau in crisis through emergency food aid, mental health support, and access to social services. Aims to reduce reliance by increasing food security and offering choice in how whānau access kai.	• Pātaka kai • Social supermarkets • Tick-and-collect foodbanks • Shared meals • Referrals to further support	Assessments are used to understand needs, build trust, and connect whānau to appropriate supports—including other Food Ladder rungs and spiritual wellbeing. Food support is unconditional but can lead to broader engagement.	• Access to nutritious, flexible, and sustainable food • Identifying and responding to barriers • Informing annual planning • Tracking Kai Plans
Rung 2: Capability Building – Transforming Lives	Supports individuals and whānau who are not in immediate crisis but still face challenges accessing nutritious food. Focuses on building capability, fostering social connection, and promoting holistic wellbeing.	• Cooking classes, meal kits, and recipes • Gardening (onsite, community, backyard) • Cultural food traditions • Sharing kai • Community meals and events • Partnering with councils and food providers • Kai integrated into wellbeing and education programmes	Whānau are supported to engage in capability-building activities through internal and external referrals. Food is used as a tool to connect with broader wellbeing and educational opportunities.	• Alignment with Te Kai Mākona • Staff capability and resource availability • Engagement in development activities • Referrals to food security initiatives • Whānau participation in growing, cooking, sharing, and buying kai
Rung 3: Community Development – Reforming Society	Empowers communities to lead and strengthen local food systems. Focuses on community-driven initiatives that address food insecurity at its roots, promote social connection, and build long-term resilience.	• Community Grocer programme • Kiwi Kai Coop • Fruit and vege co-ops • Community gardens • Advocacy and systems change	Whānau are connected to community food initiatives to meet ongoing needs and participate in broader food security efforts.	• Positive changes in whānau food security • Increased access to healthy and affordable food • Tracking participation and reach of community initiatives

You can help support and enable food security across Aotearoa New Zealand by becoming a Food Champion.
Every donation makes a difference—please donate below.