Asian Families Seek Foodbank Support Amid Rising Living Costs

Foodbanks across New Zealand are witnessing a significant rise in Asian users as unemployment and living costs continue to climb. Charity organizations report that migrant workers and international students are increasingly relying on these services for support. According to Sonya Cameron, food security manager of the Salvation Army, Asian individuals previously represented the ethnic group least likely to access the charity’s 65 foodbanks. However, their participation has surged from 2.3 percent of foodbank users in 2023, equating to 861 households, to 4 percent in 2025, or 1,344 households, marking a remarkable 56 percent increase.

Cameron expressed concern about the financial challenges faced by these families, noting that 24 percent of Asian households seeking assistance from the Salvation Army reported having no income. This figure starkly contrasts with just 6 percent among all foodbank users. The most frequent users of the foodbanks among Asian communities include individuals of Indian, Sri Lankan, Filipino, Chinese, and Afghan descent, with the highest increases observed among the Sri Lankan and Filipino populations.

Demographics and Challenges

In 2025, nearly half of Asian foodbank users were aged between 35 and 49, while 28 percent fell within the 19 to 34 age bracket. Households with children represented 40 percent of Asian users, a significant rise compared to the national average of 17 percent for this demographic. Cameron attributed the growing reliance on foodbanks to the high unemployment rates impacting migrant workers and international students.

“People are arriving in Auckland and Hamilton on work visas, recruited with promises of stable jobs and housing, only to find that the opportunities do not exist,” she explained. Many workers are tied to single-employer visas, leaving them without income or access to government support. The situation is dire for these families, who often live in overcrowded conditions.

International students also face immense challenges. Cameron highlighted that while many students met Immigration New Zealand’s financial requirements upon arrival, they struggled to make ends meet shortly after. Often, the funds they provided for their visas were borrowed or earmarked for future housing bonds, leaving them with little disposable income. “Many have brought their families and are depending on part-time jobs, which are difficult to secure due to visa restrictions, language barriers, and a lack of familiarity with local systems,” Cameron added.

Need for Support and Government Action

The Salvation Army recently released its State of the Nation report, revealing a sharp increase in food insecurity, reaching its highest levels in over a decade as of June 2024. Cameron noted a sustained 40 percent increase in demand for foodbank services since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although government initiatives like the Food Secure Communities programme have provided some relief, uncertainty looms as this programme is set to conclude in June.

“We urge the government to extend this support and commit to long-term funding for foodbanks and food rescue organizations,” Cameron emphasized. The uncertainty surrounding funding makes it challenging for charities to effectively plan and respond to ongoing community needs.

Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston acknowledged the difficulties New Zealanders face amid the prolonged cost-of-living crisis. She referenced the $15 million allocated in Budget 2025, alongside initiatives like Kickstart Breakfast and the Special Needs Grant, aimed at alleviating hardship. “I am unable to comment on further funding decisions before Budget 2026,” Upston stated.

As foodbanks like the Salvation Army continue to adapt to the changing demographics of their users, the call for comprehensive support and policy review becomes increasingly urgent. The plight of Asian families navigating unemployment and rising living costs underscores a broader issue that demands attention from both governmental and community stakeholders.