What is Meat the Need you ask? What do they do? Where are they based?
Meat the Need is a three-year-old charity that is farmer founded, and farmer led, they connect the dots between farmers who want to donate some of what they produce and families in need.
Produce, in the form of premium mince and milk, is donated by farmers and put into the hands of those already on the frontlines of food insecurity in NZ: food banks and community organisations. Food banks already know the needs of their local community, and it’s through them that mince and milk is given to families that need it.
Ultimately, the aim is for no one to go hungry in NZ. The belief is everyone should have access to the nutritious protein that is grown right here in NZ. Alongside farmers, Meat the Need are on a mission to achieve just that. 100% of farmer donations go directly into feeding families, whether that be livestock, milk or online donations (e.g. a ‘virtual animal’ or a ‘box of meat’).
If you’re a farmer, you can donate by signing up on their website meattheneed.org
Rural businesses can also back Meat the Need by joining via meattheneed.org/rural-business-supporter/
At Meat the Need, they are on a mission to ensure no one in New Zealand goes hungry. They do this by taking generous livestock donations from farmers and turning this into mince meat, which is donated to food banks across New Zealand. They also receive milk donations and distribute these out through the Feed Out programme. In the four years of operation, they have supplied 2.1 million mince and milk meals to families in need and support over 130 food banks and community organisations nationwide.
Meat the Need and Feed Out has some lofty goals. To help them achieve these goals they are looking for volunteers to be a part of their Champion programme. This is an opportunity for people across the country to become involved with Meat the Need, drive donations and most importantly, help fill the fridges and freezers of their local food banks. Champions will represent this charity at events and field days, look for donation giving opportunities and network with farmers.
You’ll be inducted into this charity and given the tools and support you need to be a champion. And of course, they will kit you out with branded apparel. Ultimately, they believe no one should go hungry in New Zealand and they would love you to be a part of helping them achieve that.
If this sounds like you, they would love you to apply! Go to their website meattheneed.org/becomeachampion/ Or listen to Access Radio Taranaki 104.4fm on Sunday 19th or 26th January, 2025 to learn more
If you would like to hear Danielle talk about the role, she and others around the country have with Meat The Need you can also find the recorded session of Volly Voices on Spotify and Apple Podcast - to find these go the either Access Radio Taranaki website where these recordings can be found under Community or go to Volunteering New Plymouth website and look under Volunteers and Volly Calls.
Or If you are curious to learn more about what is involved and / or how you can get involved then contact Wendy (Monday to Thursday) at Volunteering New Plymouth on 06 758 8986, Ph/Text: 022 571 4228 or Email: admin@vnp.nz. to take the next step.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
Give Music a Go, Summer Holiday Music Programme
The Taranaki School of Music is holding a fun and interactive School Holiday Music Programme in New Plymouth next month.
Discover the joy of music with lots of musical activities and try out different music instruments with professional tutors. This is aimed at 7 - 13 year age groups. Held in the mornings of 19- 21 st. January 2026 at the City Life Church.
Cost $90 for 3 sessions. Limited financial assistance available.
For information, registration, contact Jocelyn Beath, 021 144 1681, joc.beath@xtra.co.nz.
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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