Data should be 'wake up call' that action is needed in grocery sector, Consumer NZ says.
A recent survey by the New Zealand Food Network revealed that one-third of New Zealanders require assistance with food, with 32% of respondents admitting they needed help in the past year. The survey, which polled 1000 people, highlighted that 20% of respondents had to skip meals due to financial constraints, and 15% were forced to seek help from food banks. The data also showed a significant increase in food insecurity, with 40% of respondents indicating they were more worried about accessing food compared to the previous year. This rise in food insecurity is attributed to the increasing cost of living, with many New Zealanders struggling to afford basic necessities. The survey underscores the urgent need for government and community support to address this growing issue.