New calculations show thousands of Auckland families are feeding three mouths for less than $7 a meal.
Auckland City Mission is launching its Winter Appeal today, with a focus on 'raising the breadline'.
Spokesperson Helen Robinson says families are forced to compromise on the amount and the quality of food.
"One of the most common things that happen in families is the mothers go without - they'll give the meat to their children, the fruit and vegetables to their children."
Robinson says food insecurity has a massive impact on mental health.
The mission says after bills, thousands of families are left with just $6.43 cents to feed three people.
"It compromises their physical health, their mental health, makes it really difficult for kids to learn at school, puts pressure on relationships," says Robinson.
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AUT nutrition expert Nishita Chandra told NZME it would be a "stretch" to feed a family properly for less than $7 a meal, with canned food the best option.
"At this budget, meat is generally out of the question. I would have suggested eggs, but that too shot up in price recently."
Robinson says the cause is clear.
"Thousands of Aucklanders are experiencing this every day. Overwhelmingly the clear answer is we need to raise people's incomes."
Donations to the mission can be made on its website.
Newshub.
