In a low socio-economic area of Taranaki where food insecurity hides around every corner, dairy farmers are quietly breaking down barriers and filling the cups of those who need it most.
Ōpunake dairy farmers Trish and Glen Rankin have given 5241 servings of dairy through Meat the Need and Feed Out with their dairy business. Giving back, Trish said, is all part of being Team New Zealand.
“Donating is such a small easy thing to do on farm that can help families like ourselves feed their kids,” she said.
As the cost of groceries soars, she knows how privileged they are to receive their fresh meat and milk straight from the farm.
“I know what it’s like to have to take things out of our trolley because we’ve gone over budget and most people aren’t as lucky as we are to not have to purchase those expensive items. It’s a pretty scary amount that groceries are coming to every week.”
Passionate about reducing the barrier to having New Zealand calcium and protein in homes, Trish wants all families to have access to it and to be able to see what real, nutritious food looks like.
“If people have our really good New Zealand milk in their homes, regardless of how they’ve got it, those people will see it, use it and choose it every time over something else less nutritious.”
As a former teacher, she spent 20 years in the classroom and knows first-hand the impact that being hungry and consuming processed and sugary foods has on children.
“They’re low, they have little ability to focus in class, their behaviour worsens and sometimes all they come to school with is something that will put them on a sugar high, then they crash.
“The big thing for me is about kids. [If we can] help them have better food choices then we can help set them up for life.”
Donating more than 5000 servings of dairy through Feed Out is the least they can do.
“It’s so minimal, we raise a calf for IHC, a calf for Hospice every year and donate some meat and milk. It’s such a small amount that can be absorbed in your business but can have a big impact.”
Meat the Need and Feed Out general manager Zellara Holden said it’s farmers like the Rankins who are making a massive impact to food insecurity in New Zealand.
“We are just so incredibly thankful for the generosity of all our donors. It really is proof that a little goes a long way and it’s the collective that makes a difference when it comes to putting our home-grown protein and calcium on the plates of those who need it most.”
Meat the Need and Feed Out facilitate donations of livestock, milk and cash to turn into mince and milk meals to supply to more than 115 food banks and community organisations nationwide.
