A charity that provides food for children in almost 700 low decile schools is urging businesses to donate food and money as demand for their services swells.
KidsCan has expanded rapidly since its establishment in 2005, when it was providing food for a comparatively small 40 schools - but its waiting list continues to grow, and it's struggling to cope.
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KidsCan co-founder Julie Chapman told The AM Show on Friday morning that the demand for food in schools has doubled in just half a decade - from 11 to 21 percent - and she wants businesses to help relieve some of the financial strain.
"A lot of people tell me the Government needs to do more, but I'm here to say businesses that are in the foods base, get in touch with us," she said.
"We're after long-term partnerships, and food that is easily got into schools.
"We've got 35 schools on our waiting list - and actually, businesses don't always have to give cash. They can give products, because they're tangible and kids can eat them."
Ms Chapman says the work KidsCan is doing is particularly worthwhile because it doesn't just feed children - it encourages them to lift their attendance, too.
"By putting food into schools, opening up that conversation and giving parents an option, more children who would otherwise stay at home are now coming to school," she said.
"It's terribly embarrassing for parents when they can't feed their children, and they keep them home.
"[It's about] parents knowing that if the food has run out and the cupboards are bare, they are gonna get their kids fed at school."
Ms Chapman says there are a number of judgemental people in New Zealand who are "continually bashing parents of children in hardship" - but she believes KidsCan is removing the stigma.
"You should hear some of the things they say. Some of my favourites are 'if you can't feed 'em, don't breed 'em,' or 'they should just grow a garden'. Things aren't that simple."
Newshub.
