Lost work or reduced hours can turn the weekly food shop into an immediate problem. Earlier this year, charities told RNZ that more Asian households were coming forward for food support, with Filipino communities among those showing the largest increases.
In its 11 February report, RNZ quoted Salvation Army food security manager Sonya Cameron saying the number of Asian households using its foodbanks rose from 861 in 2023 to 1,344 in 2025, an increase of 56 percent. These are figures for that organisation's users, not a measure of poverty across the entire Asian population.
Cameron described families affected by jobs disappearing or hours being cut. Wellington charity Ekta also reported demand among Chinese residents and students. Their accounts show how an income shock can meet the additional difficulties of settling in a new country.
Asking a foodbank for help
The Salvation Army's current food-support page directs people to their nearest Community Ministries centre through 0800 53 00 00 or its online centre map. It says staff assess a person's situation and consider both immediate food needs and other support.
The organisation describes foodbanks where people can choose food items, subject to available resources. It also connects people with longer-term assistance such as financial mentoring. Calling ahead gives a household a chance to ask how the local service works and explain any dietary needs.
Government food assistance has separate conditions
Work and Income says people do not have to be receiving a benefit to qualify for food assistance, and approved assistance does not need to be repaid. Its guidance sets out residence, income and other conditions, including an urgent need and no other way to pay for food.
That means being on a low income alone does not establish eligibility. Temporary visa holders should not assume the standard food assistance rules cover them; ask the agency about the particular situation and enquire separately about community services.
Existing clients may be able to apply through MyMSD. New clients, or people unable to use MyMSD, are directed to call Work and Income. The agency's food page also links to a directory of community food providers.
Explain what has changed
When contacting a service, explain whether hours have been cut, a job has ended or an essential bill has left too little for groceries. A charity assessment and an agency assessment are different processes, so ask each provider what information it needs.
Living in New Zealand briefing. Published 22 October 2026. Demand figures refer to 2023–2025 and were reported by RNZ in February; assistance information was checked today.
