The Salvation Army is warning that families are starving and it wants the government to urgently increase food aid. Photo: RNZ/Mark PapaliiThe Salvation Army is warning that families are starving and it wants the government to urgently increase food aid. Salvation Army social policy and parliamentary unit director Dr Bonnie Robinson said the statistics were getting worse, rather than better - and it showed on the front line at food banks. "The amount someone can receive for a food grant varies depending on their circumstances," she said. "Any decisions on food grant limits would require legislative change and would be for Ministers to make," said Voight.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 11, 2026 16:48 UTC