Puta Ora Food Security Fund will be open for online applications from 11 November 2022. The fund has $4 million for initiatives that increase access to healthy, affordable food in low-income communities and other communities experiencing food insecurity. This fund will also prioritise initiatives that enable Māori to exercise kai sovereignty. To apply for funding see Puta Ora Food Security Fund, applications are due 8 December 2022.

The Puta Ora Food Security Fund builds on the previous food secure communities funding of $3 million from 2020-2022, to develop and implement plans for long-term food security. Puta Ora Food Security Fund has been named with concepts of wellbeing and nurturing that come from growing food and doing the mahi. Kōia te māra, ka puta te ora – dig the garden to bring health into view.

As the first two funding rounds were seed funding, we are now moving towards growth funding and are seeking initiatives with long-term financial sustainability. This could include Pātaka food stores that provide affordable, healthy food to disadvantaged communities.As Covid restrictions ease MSD will continue to support the community food supply infrastructure but wants to see a transition from funding food parcels to more sustainable community initiatives. Learn more about the Puta Ora Food Security Fund.

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