Due to a lack of funding, the New Zealand Nutrition Foundation will close its doors in April after 45 years of operation.
Despite every effort to secure further funds, the board of the NZ Nutrition Foundation has made the difficult decision to shut down, which will also affect its popular Just Cook programme. That programme will conclude in March unless new funding can be secured or a new organisation steps up to take over the delivery of the programme.
Since 1980, the NZ Nutrition Foundation has been providing independent, evidence-based information, programmes, advocacy, and services to enable New Zealanders to enjoy nutritious foods.
Board Chair Niki Russell said it is closing at a time when it is needed now more than ever.
“It’s particularly gut-wrenching to take this action when our work is so vital and in demand. It comes at a time when the most recent NZ Health Survey shows food insecurity is at an all-time high, and one in four children live in households where food runs out often or sometimes,” said Russell.
“We are incredibly grateful to our funders and supporters who have helped our programme numbers to grow, but sadly we cannot secure the additional NZD 100,000 per annum that’s needed for the organisation to stay open and moving forward.”
Russell added that much of the Foundation’s recent focus has been helping people in vulnerable communities eat well. That includes delivering a practical Just Cook programme that helps New Zealanders find the motivation and confidence to cook at home. The programme consists of hands-on cooking sessions that teach families and older adults how to cook nutritious meals for less. Since its beginning in 2017, the programme has impacted over 8,000 people.
The Foundation has now sought to hand over its online education and programmes to another organisation in the hope they can live on.
“We know the importance and value of our programmes. They genuinely help people to increase their independence around feeding whanau in the long term. It would be wonderful if the programmes could live on even if they can no longer be delivered by the Foundation.”
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