Household budgets so stretched it's no longer a cost of living crisis but 'the cost to survive'

Members of the KiwiHarvest Chef Collective: (from left) Peter Gordon, Brent Martin and Alfie Ingham.

Food charities warn the pressure on household budgets is now so dire it is no long a cost of living crisis - but the cost to survive.

They are again asking government to provide ongoing funding for food rescue and distribution, in next week's Budget.

The Food Network, Salvation Army and KiwiHarvest are among organisations that received one-off grants till mid-2026.

KiwiHarvest chief executive Angela Calver said the cost of living no longer described the pressure on many families.