Food for Families

Food for Families

 This initiative is used to help reduce food insecurity through out Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki and Northern Waikato districts.

We use the personal knowledge of the school teachers and other staff members to discreetly identify families who are facing hardship and will benefit from a food pack.

To keep discretion of the families we only ask how many families are in need of assistance that week and packs are then delivered to the school for families to pick up at the end of the school day. 

Schools helping give back to the initiative by volunteering their time to help make up kai packs

Year 8 Leader Pārāwai School

                       School Freezers – Food When It’s Needed Most

ADCR places freezers in schools and stocks them with ready-made meals so food is available whenever it is needed. These freezers allow schools to provide a meal for tamariki who arrive without lunch, or to quickly support a whānau experiencing unexpected hardship. Having meals readily available means schools can respond immediately, providing food discreetly and ensuring families can access support when they need it most.

The freezers also help communities prepare for emergencies. If a school or its surrounding community becomes isolated due to flooding or another emergency, having a freezer stocked with food means meals are available to help support those affected when access to shops and other supplies may be limited.

Schools have also found special ways to use their freezers to encourage and celebrate tamariki. Some provide ice blocks to children who attend school throughout the week, while others organize an ice cream treat at the end of the term. These small gestures give children something to look forward to, create positive experiences at school and help encourage regular attendance.

By having food available directly within schools, ADCR helps ensure support is close at hand, whether a child needs a meal, a family needs urgent assistance or a community faces an emergency. It is a practical way of caring for tamariki, supporting whānau and helping schools look after their communities, whatever the circumstances.

Our amazing volunteers Jemma (Donation Co-Ordinator) and her side kick Hannah Delivering a freezer to Moanataiari School

Please talk to your school if you or someone you know are in need of assistance or want to make sure your school is part of this initiative