The holidays are a great time to catch up with friends and whānau, enjoy delicious kai, and spread holiday cheer, but for many Kiwis, it can be a very stressful time. The rising cost of living is putting a strain on food banks as they’re unable to meet the increase in demand. We’ve put together a list of ways you can help out this holiday season.
Volunteering
There are many different ways you can give back to those in need this holiday season. If you cannot help financially, giving your time is a great option.
Food rescue charities throughout the country rely on volunteers to keep them going. They take quality surplus food at a large scale and redistribute it to those experiencing food insecurity in the community. Head to the Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance website to find your local and contact them to see how you can help.
Donate
Donating non-perishable food is a great way to help those in need especially if you’re time-poor. Many of our eateries put canned and long-life goods on the app that you can rescue at a reduced price and donate to your local food bank.
Another way some of our community members love to give back is by taking some of their rescued noms to local pataka kai food pantries. One of our Foodprint BFFs often grabs an extra few treats with their rescues and takes them to her local food pantry. Check out the New Zealand Fruit and Food Share Map to find a pataka kai near you.
Expand your guest list.
The holidays can be a lonely time for some people. If you can, reach out to your neighbours, especially those who are elderly or don’t have family in the area, to see if they have any Christmas plans. A lot of us normally overprepare anyway, so inviting others who don’t have any plans can be a great way to reduce leftovers and share the Christmas cheer.
Support local initiatives
Many local charities and community groups host special holiday initiatives, such as toy drives or festive meal services. Check-in with local councils or community noticeboards to find out how you can get involved. Consider supporting initiatives like the Kindness Collective Foundation’s Christmas Joy Store.
Pay it forward
A simple gesture like paying for someone’s coffee, leaving an anonymous gift card, or writing heartfelt thank-you notes to community workers can go a long way. These random acts of kindness spread positivity and remind people of the holiday spirit.
Celebrate differently
If you’re looking to make a bigger impact, consider swapping out some of the usual holiday excess for initiatives that help others. For instance, host a charity-themed Christmas dinner where everyone donates the cost of their meal to a good cause. Or, create a gift swap where participants bring second-hand items instead of purchasing new ones.
The holiday season is a time for connection, generosity, and reflection. By giving back in ways big or small—whether through volunteering, donating, sharing your table, or supporting local initiatives—you can help make the season brighter for those who need it most. Let’s embrace the true spirit of the holidays and create moments of joy and kindness that ripple through our communities. Together, we can make a meaningful difference this holiday season.
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