Children and young people have what they need
A support package was approved to bolster the delivery of food and welfare assistance by local authorities and Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups to those who need it as part of the immediate COVID-19 response. The additional funding ensured local authorities and CDEM Groups were well placed to increase immediate COVID-19 related welfare support needs through multiple channels by:
- bolstering the organisation of food parcels, and other household goods and services to people who contacted the CDEM Group and met the relevant criteria
- providing upfront funding to, or reimbursement of, local foodbanks, community food organisations and other welfare providers, to enable them to provide food and other essential household items to people who contact them directly
- helping to fund emergency accommodation, until temporary accommodation could be arranged through MBIE’s Temporary Accommodation Service or other arrangements.
Additional funding announced on 14 May 2020 included a response to the increase in demand for food through food banks and other community food service providers as a result of COVID-19. This included funding for a new bulk food distribution network – ‘New Zealand Food Network’ and support for food banks, food rescue organisations, and other providers.