Foodstuffs South Island

Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust grants again top $50,000

The Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust has approved $51,950 in funding for community organisations helping individuals, families and whānau facing food insecurity across the South Island.

The Trust approved 12 applications at its latest meeting with the grants providing grocery vouchers and store credits to charities and community groups supporting local communities.

The giving is made possible through the contributions of family-owned New World, PAK'nSAVE and Four Square stores.

The recipients include:

  • Manu Ora GP Service (Marlborough) – $5,000 to provide kai and essential hygiene products for families in Marlborough.
  • Food for Love (Otago) – $5,000 to provide nourishing meals and food support for people experiencing unexpected hardship in the Upper Clutha region.
  • Christchurch Kidney Society –$3,000 to support people on dialysis who are facing financial pressures.
  • Southland Community Networking Trust – $5,000 to support their ‘Back to Basics’ workshops which support people and whānau with budgeting, food sustainability and reducing food insecurity.
  • Full Bellies Charitable Trust – $10,000 to provide school lunches for children and families experiencing food insecurity.

Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust Chairperson Lucy Boock said the latest round of grants reflected the broad range of organisations working to support people and their communities.

"Whether it is direct food assistance or education, these organisations are making a real difference for people across the South Island.

"We are proud that the contributions of our family-owned stores enables the Trust to support initiatives that help meet immediate needs, improve access to healthy food and strengthen community wellbeing."

The Trust meets four times each year and welcomes applications from charities and initiatives that align with its priorities:

  • Increase community access to healthy food
  • Reduce hardship for individuals and communities
  • Providing emergency relief for community organisations during crisis events

The Trust's final meeting for 2026 will be held on 24 November, with applications closing on 10 November 2026. Learn more about the Trust, the organisations it supports and how to apply.