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Food insecurity within youth in NZ - Coggle Diagram
Food insecurity within youth in NZ
Most 12-year-olds lived in food secure households (83%), but 15% lived in moderately food insecure households, and 2% experienced severe food insecurity.
Food insecurity was strongly associated with ethnicity and socioeconomic position; Pacific young people, rangatahi Māori, and young people that lived in neighbourhoods with high deprivation were most likely to be food insecure at 12-years of age.
Children experiencing food insecurity at 8-years of age in households that received government financial assistance (main benefits or working for family tax credits) were twice as likely to be food secure at 12-years, compared to those that did not receive assistance.
One in four 12-year-olds were receiving food from a school-based programme most or every school day, with 20% receiving Ka Ora, Ka Ako the Government’s healthy school lunch programme.
Some children who needed a free, healthy school lunch did not receive one. Half of the young people living in moderately food insecure households, and a third of those living in severely food insecure households, did not receive Ka Ora, Ka Ako in the past year.
Recent research has found one in five children aged 2-14 years live in households classified as moderately-to-severely food insecure, and that this is associated with indicators of poor nutrition, health and development (Ministry of Health, 2019)
Key Statistics
Food Insecurity in New Zealand:
1 in 5 New Zealand children are affected by food insecurity (Ministry of Social Development, 2020).
A survey found that 18.3% of New Zealand households with children experience food insecurity (University of Otago, 2021).
Food insecurity is particularly high among Māori and Pasifika youth, with these groups being more likely to experience financial hardship and limited access to nutritious food.
Factors Contributing to Food Insecurity
Poverty & Income Inequality:
A significant driver of food insecurity among youth is poverty. Many families face challenges in meeting basic needs, with children in lower-income households being the most vulnerable.
Income inequality remains a major issue in New Zealand. The wealth gap between the highest and lowest earners has been widening for decades, contributing to an increase in food insecurity.
Housing & Cost of Living:
The high cost of housing, particularly in urban areas like Auckland, means families are forced to spend more on rent, leaving less money available for food.
Youth living in overcrowded housing are more likely to experience food insecurity, as the cost of living disproportionately impacts households with multiple dependents.
Access to Nutritious Food:
Access to healthy food is a critical issue. Many low-income families, especially in rural and isolated communities, may live in food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food.
Supermarket prices for fresh produce can be prohibitive for low-income households, leading to a reliance on cheaper, less nutritious foods.
Mental Health & Wellbeing:
Youth experiencing food insecurity are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. The stress of not knowing where the next meal will come from can affect a young person's psychological development and overall wellbeing.
Impacts of Food Insecurity on Youth
Physical Health:
Food insecurity is linked to a higher risk of chronic health conditions such as obesity, malnutrition, and developmental delays. Inadequate nutrition can impair cognitive development and academic performance.
Academic Performance:
Research has shown that food-insecure children are more likely to experience lower academic achievement and school attendance. Hunger can affect concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function, all of which hinder learning.
Social & Emotional Development:
Youth facing food insecurity are more likely to experience social stigma and isolation. They may struggle with self-esteem and have difficulty forming positive peer relationships.
Food insecurity can contribute to a sense of powerlessness and frustration, affecting young people's emotional wellbeing.
Community and Government Responses
School-Based Food Programs:
New Zealand has several programs aimed at addressing food insecurity among youth, such as free school lunches. The government introduced a nationwide Free School Lunch Programme in 2020 to provide meals to students in decile 1 to 3 schools, with plans to expand the program further.
Local initiatives, such as community food banks and charitable organisations, also play a role in providing food to disadvantaged families.
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs):
Organisations like KidsCan and The Salvation Army offer support to children in need by providing food, clothing, and other necessities.
The NZ Food Network is another initiative working to improve food security by advocating for sustainable, nutritious, and accessible food for all New Zealanders.
Policy Recommendations:
There are calls for increased government investment in social services, including food security programs that focus on providing healthy, culturally appropriate meals for youth.
Advocacy groups recommend policies that target livable wages, affordable housing, and improved access to nutritious food for low-income families.