Alongside new babies, illness, isolation and exhaustion are now major reasons families are turning to Bellyful.
For many years, the arrival of a new baby was the main reason whānau sought Bellyful’s support. The latest results from Bellyful’s regular recipient survey, conducted by Research NZ, show that this remains a key factor, with just over half of the families supported earlier this year caring for a newborn.
The survey also shows a growing number are now coping with serious illness, mental health challenges, bereavement, or the pressures of raising multiples such as twins or triplets.
A Changing Picture of Need
The Jan–Feb 2025 survey highlights how families’ situations are shifting:
- New babies falling as the sole reason: down from 77% all-time to 57% now.
- More illness and mental health needs: 27% of mothers unwell (up from 20%), and 23% reporting a mental health condition (up from 12%).
- More whānau without support: 36% reported “no support” (up from 29%).
- Support for families with multiples increasing: 9% of families were caring for twins or triplets (up from 4%).
- Self-referrals rising fast: 55% now self-refer (up from 30% all-time).
Bellyful NZ Chief Executive Sheena Revington says the results highlight the growing range of challenges families are facing.
“What hasn’t changed is the impact of a meal delivered with aroha,” she says. “Families tell us again and again that it’s not just the food, it’s the feeling of being cared for and not judged.”
The Impact
Despite more complex needs, the effect of Bellyful’s mahi remains powerful:
- Over 90% of families reported that Bellyful made them feel cared for, supported, and not judged.
- Two-thirds (66%) recommended Bellyful to another family — the highest level recorded.
- Practical wellbeing benefits are rising — 64% of parents said they got more sleep (up from 61% all-time), and 64% said they could focus more on their baby (up from 59%).
For many, the support is about far more than meals. One parent shared: “Bellyful helped when my husband got a serious cancer diagnosis… it took away another bit of the mental load.”
Another said: “I loved the kai but mostly I loved that there was no judgment. The lady dropped it off and didn’t even ask questions; she was so beautiful I wanted to cry.”
Behind every story are volunteers cooking in community kitchens across Aotearoa. They prepare freezer-friendly meals such as lasagne, bolognese, macaroni cheese, soup and curry, delivered with kindness to families who don’t have the support they need.
As one grateful recipient put it: “Where would we be without Bellyful – awesome, very delicious meals for the whole family.”
